Family gathers for Kennedy's final journey

Edward Kennedy's family gathered for a private mass today as America mourned the last giant of the political dynasty whose dreams helped shape the nation for half a century.

The Stars and Stripes were lowered to half-mast on government buildings throughout the country and at private homes near the Kennedy compound in the Massachusetts seaside resort of Hyannis Port for a poignant farewell.

The man dubbed the "liberal lion" of the Senate, where he served for 47 years, died on Tuesday after a 15-month battle with brain cancer. He was 77.

Kennedy's family prepared to begin celebrations of a life marked by tragedy, scandal and ultimate success by escorting his coffin later today in a three-hour procession to Boston.

Thousands were expected to welcome the motorcade's arrival at the John F Kennedy Presidential Library, where his body was to lie in repose for the public to pay respects ahead of a Catholic funeral mass Saturday.

President Barack Obama, who described Kennedy as a "singular figure in American history," will read a eulogy at the funeral mass.

Later Saturday, the Democratic Party giant will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on a Virginia hillside overlooking Washington, alongside his slain brothers. Obama is not expected to attend the burial.