[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. MARY EDWARDS WALKER

                                 ______


                           HON. SUE W. KELLY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 1996

  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Women's History 
Month to acknowledge the formidable accomplishments of a fellow New 
Yorker, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker.
  Disregarding the prejudices of the 1840's and 1850's which looked 
with scandalized disapproval on attempts by women to join professions, 
Mary Edwards Walker successfully struggled to pursue her ambition to 
study medicine. Graduating from Syracuse Medical College in 1855, she 
became one of the first women physicians in the country.
  In 1865, Dr. Walker became the first and only women to receive the 
Congressional Medal of Honor for bravely serving as a surgeon in the 
Union Army during the Civil War. She held this title with distinction 
for 35 years until the Adverse Action Medal of Honor Board took it away 
from her, claiming her status with the Army had been ambiguous. It 
wasn't until 58 years after her death that she reclaimed the honor she 
rightfully deserved.
  Dr. Walker stood alone as an activist for women in a time when women 
thought their role in society was unchangeable. She fought for what she 
believed instead of just accepting what she was told.
  The efforts of trailblazers like Dr. Walker made it possible for me 
to be standing here in the well today. As a woman and a Member of 
Congress, I am grateful for Dr. Walker's legacy and will work to uphold 
it for future generations of young women.

                          ____________________