After announcing 4 months ago that he was diagnosed with lung cancer, Peter Jennings has lost that battle this evening at the age of 67. My earliest memories of being introduced to television news was with him at the helm. At 6:30, the law of the land (a.k.a. my mama) dictated that the channel remained fixed on ABC after Eyewitness News was over and no other face quite personified the network like his. I grew up with the smooth delivery, extensive knowledge of foreign affairs, special investigative reports that was as anticipated as any other prime time offering and easy demeanor that made you feel as if he wasn't just another stiff broadcaster giving you the day's events verbatim – but as a familiar face you invited into your household 5 nights a week. I will never forget the comfort I felt grieving through the darkest depths my city faced on that September day 4 years ago knowing that his on-air presence was unwavering and yet he allowed the human aspect of reporting to take precedent as coverage held court through the night while Lower Manhattan was clouded in soot, smoke and shock. His final appearance to explain his absence from the anchor's chair in such a time of fragility broke my heart. Stating that a giant has been lost goes with saying, but this is a man I truly consider an inspiration who was part of the embers that stoked my passion for journalism. The last of the greats is now gone. This is World News Tonight signing off... farewell, Mr. Jennings.