Political Quotes

“Mr. President, we remember the giants of American history, those who led troops into battle, or rose to high office, or gave their lives for something greater than themselves; the warriors, the statesmen, the heroes who fought to defend our values and our freedoms. We quote their words and etch their names into stone. We rightfully honor their place in the annals of history. But the quiet moments of our history are often overlooked. There are many unsung heroes whose actions give shape to our national identity. Too frequently, these brave men and women are pushed to the margins or relegated to obscurity. That is why I am here today to honor one woman who did not fight in wars, give great speeches, or perish on the battlefield. Make no mistake: those pursuits are noble, and it is right that we honor them. But our quiet heroes have just as much claim to our national attention, and also deserve our respect and praise. So today I would ask my colleagues to pause and to think of just such a quiet American hero: She never wore a uniform, though in a sense she led a great and diverse army. She never rose to high office, although she paved the way for others, including myself to do so. Rosa Parks began her life in a world that largely considered her to be undeserving of equal rights. She knew the injustice of segregation, and was no stranger to racism and hatred. She grew up poor in Tuskegee, AL, where she wasn't even allowed to ride the bus to school.…”