Van Hollen Statement on the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday

Statement

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement on the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights march, also known as "Bloody Sunday":

"Today we commemorate the 50th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday,' when nonviolent protesters faced unspeakable brutality with dignity and courage and galvanized the nation to action.

"I have had the privilege of taking the trip to the Edmund Pettus Bridge three times with my friend John Lewis, to share with each of my children the events of that day and the power of grassroots action to shape our history.

"The brave marchers in Selma a half a century ago were seeking recognition of a truth stated in the Declaration of Independence and solemnly repeated by Lincoln at Gettysburg -- that all people are created equal. We are still working to ensure that our nation lives up to that basic truth. From restoring the promise of the Voting Rights Act, to ensuring access to quality education, to upholding equal justice under the law, we must be as unwavering as those who took a stand in Selma and continue the march to full equality. We have come a long way because of the courage of those at Selma and everyone who has fought in the civil rights movement, but we have more work to do to achieve a more perfect union."

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