Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for calling this Special Order. Congress has adjourned for the Thanksgiving holiday, but I thank you for staying so that we can acknowledge and observe the 50th anniversary of a great loss for our country. My colleague, Mr. Larson, spoke so beautifully about what happened on November 22, 50 years ago, and how your mother reacted. You could have been speaking for every family in America. Certainly, we took special ownership of President Kennedy, as the first Catholic President, but everyone who enjoys firsts understands that that pioneer action, that courage, that success that he had was not just about him being the first Catholic President, but embracing the people of our country more fully. Yes, Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, tragedy struck the heart of a Nation in Dallas, Texas. Fifty years ago, President Kennedy was taken from us, suddenly and unexpectedly, and the entire Nation was shaken and mourned. As you said, we don't want to dwell on that sad day. We want to spring from it and talk about what went before and what has come from the legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Today, 50 years later, we rise on the floor of the House to pay tribute to him as a leader on the anniversary of a tragedy, with a focus on many victories. Here, in this Chamber, President Kennedy served. Can you imagine? I take great pride in the fact--all of us who serve here do--that President Kennedy began his Federal service in office in the House of Representatives.…”