Democrats will honor Kennedy

A tribute to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who is battling brain cancer, will be among the highlights of the first night of the Democratic National Convention, organizers announced today.

Kennedy taped a five-minute video earlier this month at the family compound to air as part of the tribute. After suffering a seizure at his Hyannis Port home in May, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and has undergone high-risk surgery and recently completed a six-week course of chemotherapy and radiation.

The opening night on Aug. 25 will be around the theme "One Nation," and will also feature as speakers Michelle Obama, wife of presumptive nominee Barack Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, and Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri, an early Obama supporter and high-profile surrogate.