Ilhan Omar: “Today I rise to pay my respects to the celebrated heroes of the Somali Youth League. On May 15, 1943, 13 brave, young…”

“Today I rise to pay my respects to the celebrated heroes of the Somali Youth League. On May 15, 1943, 13 brave, young, and bright men founded SYL to liberate Somalia from colonial control. Their mission was to see a free and united Somalia and prosperity for its people. Eighty years later, we cannot forget their sacrifice or let their deaths be in vain. As Somalis in the diaspora, young or old, or in Somalia, our call today has to be for unity, for freedom, and for leadership. SYL fought for liberty, and we must renew that call to liberate ourselves from clan mentality, violence, and lead to create a better tomorrow for all of us. ____________________”