John Bel Edwards: “I did not just like Jake Pickle; I loved Jake Pickle. Congressman Pickle was one of the finest public servants to have…”

“I did not just like Jake Pickle; I loved Jake Pickle. Congressman Pickle was one of the finest public servants to have ever served in this House, and he was a true Texas treasure. He was a kind, decent, caring human being who spent his entire life making life better for others. Whether it was helping a veteran receive health care, bringing research dollars, and he brought many of them, to his beloved University of Texas or saving the Social Security system in 1983, Jake was always dedicated to helping others. Jake Pickle's faith was shown time and time again as he lived the commandment to love thy neighbor. Jake Pickle lived every day with another biblical verse, ``This is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.'' Jake lived every day joyfully. He lit up a room when he walked into it because of his joyful, positive approach to life. His positive approach has enlightened the lives of all of us blessed to have known him. Jake Pickle exemplified courage when he voted as a freshman Congressman from Texas to pass the Civil Rights Act which brought to reality the promise of equal opportunity to millions of African- Americans. He did it because it was the right thing to do, even though it could have ended his political career. I want to tell one story about my friend Jake Pickle. In June of 1994, he and I were part of a U.S. congressional delegation at the 50th anniversary of D-Day.…”