Rodney Frelinghuysen: “Mr. Chairman, we all have a frame of reference for Lou Stokes, and nobody could have a frame of reference as wonderful…”

“Mr. Chairman, we all have a frame of reference for Lou Stokes, and nobody could have a frame of reference as wonderful as Mrs. Carrie Meek's frame of reference. When I was in high school and college the Stokes family, and particularly the Stokes brothers, came to my attention as political and civil rights leaders. But only on the television and in the newspapers did I get to know the Stokes family. Quite honestly, I never knew that I would have the privilege of serving with one of those Stokes brothers as a Member of Congress. What an opportunity it has been for me to serve with a remarkable man, someone who, indeed, is a role model for everyone, black or white, rich or poor, an historical figure of the greatest note. And as he said the other day, as was true with Mr. Mollohan and Mr. Walsh, my father had an opportunity to serve with you in the late 1960s and early 1970s. I have been very lucky to have that privilege as the second generation of my family to serve with you. Thank you for your friendship and for your assistance on the VA-HUD committee.”