Harvard University's law school is set to bestow an honorary degree on ailing Senator Ted Kennedy.

Monday's special convocation will include remarks by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and a performance by cellist Yo Yo Ma. Harvard says the honor recognizes Kennedy's "lifelong commitment to public service."

Similar honors have been bestowed upon Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill.

Kennedy was to receive the degree last spring at Harvard's commencement, but he was recuperating from brain surgery at the time.

The Massachusetts Maritime Academy also says it's renaming its training ship The Kennedy in tribute to the whole family, while officials in Boston are looking at building a national institute focused on the U.S. Senate and Kennedy's legacy.