Editor 's note : Ted Sorensen was special counsel and adviser to President John F. Kennedy . Ted Sorensen says the Kennedys are not American royalty , but have dedicated themselves to service . NEW YORK ( CNN ) -- With the death of John F. Kennedy 's brother , Senator Edward M Kennedy , and their sister , Eunice Shriver , the founder of the Special Olympics for the developmentally challenged , there has been a wealth of news stories -- obituaries and otherwise -- about the recurring tragedies endured by what some call America 's `` royal family . '' All of these comments are well intended but off the mark . The Kennedys have been a remarkable family since its founding roughly a century ago by Joseph P. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy . But , its members have never asked for pity or privilege . Their history has emphasized more success than tragedy . Their love of family and country stood out during some of the most cynical and selfish periods in recent American history . Like any large family , particularly one which deservedly remained in the public eye for many decades , a large number of afflictions and setbacks , also in the public eye , was unavoidable . Nevertheless , the members of that family have never considered themselves `` royal '' or entitled to special privileges . We have no royalty in America , but ever since the Adams family sent several generations to public service in the earliest days of our nationhood , other families have demonstrated similar interests and commitments to public service . The Kennedys were taught as children and genuinely believed that American citizenship was a special privilege and honor , in return for which every citizen had an obligation to serve and help the country . Even the youngest generation of Kennedys today acts not out of a sense of entitlement but a sense of commitment . From the beginning , those members of the family who held or sought public office had the courage to take public positions on controversial issues , not always approved by the leaders of their party , church or respective constituencies . Nevertheless , they stood up and spoke out for what they believed was right , regardless of political and personal consequences . In short , they have had a proud tradition of becoming -- not merely writing about -- profiles in courage . As the result of the elder Joseph P. Kennedy 's success in business , many of his descendants could have lived lives of luxury and ease . After all , they liked family fun , in the sun , on the water , sometimes competing with as well as teasing each other . Yet , they devoted and donated more of their valuable time than most families to the service of others , their country , their communities , and those who did not have their good fortune , good education and good opportunities to lead . President John F. Kennedy was their star , their pride , their model and their leader . But his siblings , Robert , Edward , Eunice , Pat and Jean all played their own special roles , making their own special contributions throughout their lives . This country has long been a wealthy country , with all its wealth of brilliant and devoted leaders and traditional ideals . But it would have been a much poorer country without the Kennedys . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ted Sorensen .
Ted Sorensen : People have focused on the tragedies endured by the family . He says focus should be on how family has been dedicated to public service . Kennedy : Their love of family and community stood out in a selfish era .