Elijah Cummings: “I rise to honor a great American, Baltimore City Councilwoman Bea Gaddy, who a few days ago succumbed to breast cancer…”

“I rise to honor a great American, Baltimore City Councilwoman Bea Gaddy, who a few days ago succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 68. For decades, Bea Gaddy fed and sheltered the poor and homeless in our city of Baltimore. In 1992, then President George Bush included her among Americans he honored as "Points of Light." Upon learning of Bea Gaddy's death, Maryland Governor Parris Glendening observed that she "was a beacon of hope for those who felt hopeless." She had a unique ability to reach out and help people. She effectively articulated that strong communities are created when we recognize that every member of the community is important. Mr. Speaker, as the testaments of these national leaders witnessed, Bea Gaddy's vision for America transcended the divisions of race, class, and party that all too often limit our potential as a people. Her legacy was directed to those of us who have the ability to give, as well as to the thousands whom she helped to survive poverty. Every year, hundreds of volunteers and I joined Mrs. Gaddy for the Thanksgiving dinner she prepared for those who were homeless. As I watched her tireless and forever smiling generosity towards others, I realized that God had sent us an angel, that God was reminding us through her that every person has value. Mrs. Gaddy used her own trials in life as a passport for helping others.”