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Authorizing the Remains of Rosa Parks to Lie in Honor in the Rotunda of the Capitol

Date: Oct. 28, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Arts, Entertainment, and History


AUTHORIZING THE REMAINS OF ROSA PARKS TO LIE IN HONOR IN THE ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITOL -- (House of Representatives - October 28, 2005)

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Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to allow the American people to pay their last respects to Rosa Parks in the United States Capitol. This unique honor befits and does justice to the life led by Rosa Parks.

In honoring her legacy in this way, we are reminded that the power of one person, acting with a singularity of purpose, driven by the ideals of justice, is infinite. And as we grieve the loss of Rosa Parks, we recommit ourselves to her lifelong struggle to create an America that reflects the hopes and aspirations of all of its citizens.

The Capitol Rotunda has been used for this honor only 28 times since 1852, and Rosa Parks will be the first woman ever accorded this honor. She joins the esteemed company of Presidents Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson, General Douglas MacArthur and the remains of several unknown soldiers. It is, without question, a fitting mark of respect.

Rosa Parks changed history through the quiet rebellion of refusing to be refused. In honor of this remarkable woman and her indomitable spirit, we must recommit to rooting out injustice wherever it takes harbor, even if doing so comes at great personal cost.

As House Democratic Leader, it is a privilege to join all my colleagues in tribute to Rosa Parks, and to offer the American people an opportunity to pay their respects to her extraordinary life.

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