Chris Coons: “on this exact date half a century ago, then-Senator Robert F. Kennedy delivered a powerful speech in Cape Town, South…”

“on this exact date half a century ago, then-Senator Robert F. Kennedy delivered a powerful speech in Cape Town, South Africa, a nation that was then struggling through the cruel injustices of apartheid. It was the conclusion of a remarkable trip to South Africa in which Bobby Kennedy visited the Nobel Peace Prize- winning Chief Lutuli, visited Soweto, visited the University of Wits in Johannesburg, and spoke with students at the University of Cape Town. Last week I had the opportunity to help lead a congressional delegation to commemorate Bobby Kennedy's historic journey and his famous ``Ripples of Hope'' speech he delivered during his visit. The trip offered all of us an opportunity to reflect on the parallels between America's civil rights movement and South Africa's liberation struggle and to renew the conversation of reconciliation as both countries face legacies that remain both difficult and unresolved. More importantly, as South Africa and the United States face serious challenges to the very institutions that underpin and preserve our democracies, this trip served as a reminder that while our constitutional orders may be supported by courageous and principled leaders through critical moments in our history, nations don't endure because of a few charismatic and historic individuals, they endure because of institutions.…”