Roland Gutierrez: “I rise to do my share of duty to history. Today I rise to celebrate the life of Roberto Clemente and to recognize his…”

“I rise to do my share of duty to history. Today I rise to celebrate the life of Roberto Clemente and to recognize his enormous contributions to humankind. I am very honored to do so. In this particular case, I respectfully think that I contribute, however humbly, to add to the prestige of this House. This is the people's House. Today I rise to pay very deserving tribute to a hero of the people. As a son of Puerto Rican parents, I pay homage to who was, perhaps, the favorite son of Puerto Rico. In doing so, I feel doubly proud. Today I feel prouder than ever of being a Member of this august body, a body that in recognizing the greatness of this champion elevates its own. As a Puerto Rican myself, my heart fills with joy knowing of the effect this humble action of ours here today will have in the minds and the souls of hundreds of thousands of Puerto Rico and Hispanic youth in my district in Chicago, throughout the country, and in Puerto Rico.”