Political Quotes

“I rise today to pay tribute to Hadiya Pendleton, lost to gunfire 1 year ago today, January 29, 2013. She was 15 years old. She was gunned down while she was standing with friends at a park in Chicago's South Side. She was a very talented, caring girl with a bright future. She was a sophomore at King College Prep, an honor student, and a majorette in the school band. This is her photograph. Those who knew her talk about her warm heart, her big smile, and what a great friend she was to all of those around her. A week before her death, Hadiya was in Washington, DC, performing with her school band for President Barack Obama's inaugural celebration. She was absolutely thrilled that as a high school student she could come out and perform for the President she loved. Days afterwards she was gunned down, murdered by men who allegedly mistook Hadiya and her friends for members of a rival street gang. I join with those in Chicago and across America who mourn this grim anniversary and I extend my condolences to her family. This last week or two--even longer now--it has been pretty cold in Chicago, bitter cold: snow, ice, with people not going outside much. But I wanted to make a trip Saturday morning to visit Hadiya's mom and dad on the occasion of this sad anniversary. Her mom Cleo, her father Nate, and her 11-year-old brother Nate, Jr., as well as the extended family, are mourning her loss. We sat in their apartment Saturday morning and talked a little about her.…”