WASHINGTON -Former presidential press secretary and journalist Pierre Salinger was remembered yesterday as a brilliant reporter and a critical messenger for John F. Kennedy's New Frontier.
Salinger, who died Saturday in France, started his career as a print journalist, served in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations, and went on to a career as a television reporter, including work in Paris and London.
I'm sure Jack and Jackie and Bobby are in seventh heaven right now because they're so glad to be reunited with Pierre at last
said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who delivered the eulogy for his family's loyal, longtime friend. They'd be the first to tell you they couldn't have had the New Frontier without him.
Political and media notables were among the 300 to 400 mourners at the Holy Trinity Church, where John Kennedy used to attend Mass. They included former presidential hopefuls George McGovern and Gary Hart, and President Lyndon Johnson's daughter, Linda Johnson Robb, as well as newsmen Ben Bradlee, Ted Koppel, Sam Donaldson, Art Buchwald and Chris Matthews.
Salinger died of heart failure at a hospital near his home in Le Thon, France, where he had moved to escape the presidency of President Bush, according to his wife, Nicole Salinger.
He had undergone surgery earlier in the week to implant a pacemaker.
He was burried in Arlington Cemetery.
Kennedy, D-Mass., recalled when Salinger first met the Kennedy brothers, eventually working on John Kennedy's Senate staff, then later as his campaign press secretary. After the president's death, Salinger remained close friends with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
It's hard to say goodbye to a dear dear friend like Pierre. He made us feel like family too
said Kennedy. Now he'll have an honored place in Arlington Cemetery
close by the president and the senator he served so well and who loved him so much.
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