ABC says their final Goodbye to Peter Jennings Feature Story

ABC says their final Goodbye to Peter Jennings Feature StoryABC says their final Goodbye to Peter Jennings
21-Sep-2005
Written by: Erica Y. Lopez

The face of ABC News is remembered in Carnegie Hall.

Colleagues and friends remembered Peter Jennings yesterday during a celebration of his life and work at Carnegie Hall. The memorial was a mix of music and personal recollections. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and Jazz Musician Wynton Marsalis were among those who performed during the service, attended by over 2000 people. “Nightline” anchor and long time friend of Jennings said “From the time I met Peter 41 years ago until our last meeting a few weeks ago, I felt a thrill whenever I saw him. Not many people have that charisma…”

There were even a few homeless people in attendance. Jennings was known to befriend some of Central Park’s homeless on his way home from ABC studios after taping his “World News Tonight” broadcast.

Many agree that Peter’s greatest accomplishments were his two children, Chris and Elizabeth. They were the last to speak at the memorial. His son said “There is no way to express how much I miss my father. Each day is, above all else, a day without him.”

I had the privilege of meeting Peter over this past year. He was an undoubtedly fierce presence in the newsroom and absolutely irreplaceable. President of ABC News David Westin, summed it up best, “An anchor is what keeps a ship from drifting into dangerous waters. It keeps us steady and secure during the night. That is what Peter was to ABC News.”