Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Senator John Kerry (D-MA), released statements Thursday May 20 after Mexico's President Calderon awarded the Order of the Aztec Eagle to the late Senator Ted Kennedy.

The award was given to honor Ted Kennedy's lifelong fight for immigrants and his passionate interest in helping the people of Mexico build better lives on both sides of the border. Vicki Kennedy accpeted the award on behalf of her late husband.

The Order of the Aztec Eagle is the highest honor that Mexico awards to heads of state and other foreign dignitaries for distinguished service to Mexico or to humankind.

"No one understood better than my friend Teddy Kennedy that the United States and Mexico must embrace the things that unite us and work together to keep both of our nations safe, strong, and prosperous. Teddy knew how much Mexican-Americans contribute to our country. I was proud to work with him on this important issue, and prouder still to call him my friend," said Dodd.

"Th tale behind the eagle and the snake that appear on this medal is a story about how people find their homes, how they make new homes and how they shape the history of entire nations. That's what the Aztecs did when they stopped their journey and built a city on a lake. That's what the Kennedy family did in journeying from Ireland to America. And it's also what Ted Kennedy's life's work made possible for so [many] Mexican-Americans and countless others." said Kerry.

"It is an honor to have Vicki Kennedy here today accepting this award on behalf of Ted who was a tireless advocate for immigrants and champion of comprehensive immigration reform." Kerry said.