Pelosi Remarks Honoring Congressman John Lewis
Washington, D.C. - Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks this evening at a reception hosted by the Faith and Politics Institute to honor Congressman John Lewis on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom today at a White House ceremony. Below are the Leader's remarks as prepared for delivery:
"Thank you, Reverend Doug Tanner, for your introduction, for your leadership of the Faith and Politics Institute, and for working to build bridges of tolerance among America's communities. I also want to acknowledge and thank George and Trish Vrandenburg, sponsors of this event and committed supporters of the Faith and Politics Institute.
"I want to recognize my colleagues from the House: Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn, Democratic Caucus Chair John Larson, and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. It is a pleasure to be here with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
"The Faith and Politics Institute is a center dedicated to building bridges, cultivating trust among our leaders, and living up to the values of equality, understanding, compassion and community. To advance your mission, the Faith and Politics Institute does not simply educate Members of Congress through hearings and meetings. You offer living testaments to our progress - leading pilgrimages to Alabama, one of which I was privileged to join; taking us to the hallowed ground where history transpired; sharing stories of heroism and leadership from the civil rights movement.
"Central to that movement is the man we honor tonight: Congressman John Lewis. He is the conscience of the Congress, a true hero of our history, a moral leader and an inspiration to his colleagues, his constituents, and the American people.
"In marching for his own rights, he extended the blessings of liberty to others. In seeking equality for African Americans, he secured justice for all. In advancing the non-violent struggle for our most basic rights - the right to vote, to speak, to assemble - he advanced the cause of freedom.
"John Lewis has led a life of courage, conviction, and commitment to the common good. His story is a triumph for all whose souls cry out for freedom. No one is more deserving of our nation's highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom.
"It is fitting that Congressman Lewis should receive this honor during Black History Month - a time set aside to celebrate our diversity and to honor the contributions of African Americans to our country.
"In this period, we strive to build on our legacy of equality by pledging a future of opportunity for our children and generations to come. And we remember, as Congressman Lewis always reminds us, that we may have come a long way since the days of Selma and the March on Washington; but we still have a distance to go to secure jobs for our workers and prosperity for our families, regardless of race, religion, or creed.
"As we honor Congressman Lewis today, we must each renew our commitment to build what he has called the ‘beloved community, a nation at peace with itself.'
"We must continue to overcome barriers to opportunity in our time. We must pay tribute to those, like John Lewis, who led the long struggle for civil rights, and the millions who marched along their side: striving for equality; fulfilling our pledge of justice; moving our country closer to that more perfect union.
"Congratulations, Congressman Lewis, on being awarded the Medal of Freedom. Thank you all for coming together to honor an extraordinary leader for our nation and the Congress."