Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise today to honor a Cleveland native, a Buffalo soldier, and an Olympic legend--Harrison Dillard. Mr. Dillard died last month at the age of 96. His life included service to our country in World War II, four Olympic gold medals, and world records. He grew up racing up and down the streets of our shared hometown of Cleveland with friends. When Mr. Dillard was 13, he saw his hometown hero, a gentleman named Jesse Owens, in a parade. He ran home and told his mother: ``I just saw Jesse Owens, [Mom], and I'm going to be just like him.'' She humored her son. Think about how many people say that to mothers in Cleveland and other places. She humored her son like all mothers do, but Harrison Dillard was serious. He and his friends would take old cars seats and put them in the street and jump over them for practice. When he enrolled at Jesse Owens' alma mater, Cleveland's East Technical High School on the east side of our city, Owens himself gave Harrison a new pair of running shoes. Jesse Owens was one of the most famous athletes in the country. He won world records, one gold medal, and stood up to Adolph Hitler. Jessie Owens gave Harrison Dillard a new pair of running shoes. Mr. Dillard joined the Army after high school. He served in a segregated unit. Just for younger people who don't know this history, we segregated our Armed Forces in this country, even in World War II.…”