. >> our digital correspondent lindsay mathis is outside arlington national cemetery tonight where she talked with local people who showed up to pay their respects. lindsay. >> reporter: well, first the kennedy family left her from arlington cemetery around 9:00 and there were still folks lined up to see them off. it meant a great deal to the crowds to be able to share the family's grief and it is obvious the crowds' presence meant a great deal to the kennedy family. >> everybody has an emotional connection to be here. to say thank you. >> alexis thompson decided to come here this morning. >> we got here about 3:30, and we -- when we pulled up it was nowhere near the amount of people that were here. i was a little shocked. >> reporter: as the hours passed, the crowds grew larger, and support for the family stronger. >> the kennedys have been a part of your family, part of your life. >> here comes the motorcade. >> reporter: as senator kennedy's hearse peaked over a slope and began to cross memorial bridge, the crowd clapped. >> thank you! >> reporter: the family, their windows down, co