[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 22 (Wednesday, March 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING JACKIE ROBINSON RECEIVING THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 2, 2005

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate April 15--no, not 
Tax Day--but that memorable day in 1947 when Jackie Robinson officially 
broke the color barrier of Major League Baseball by donning a Brooklyn 
Dodgers uniform.
  In the face of great adversity and knowing that the hopes of African-
American athletes in all sports rested on his shoulders, Jackie 
Robinson provided inspiration to all of America in his courageous 
pursuit of racial equality.
  By simply putting on his spikes, wearing his Dodgers uniform, and 
taking the field on that great day, Jackie Robinson forever changed the 
landscape of the American sports scene; indeed, he fueled a change in 
the hearts and minds of our great Nation.
  Jackie Robinson stared bitter opposition and oppressive racism in the 
face, all while achieving unparalleled success. He was named the 
National League Rookie of the Year in 1947 and earned National League 
Most Valuable Player honors in 1949. In 1962, Jackie became the first 
African-American to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
  Known for his gifted batting, blinding speed around the bases, and 
strong but steady temperament, Jackie Robinson won the respect of 
teammates and opponents alike. He led the Dodgers to six pennants and 
their first World Championship as a member of the famed ``Boys of 
Summer'' in 1955.
  Although he played in New York, Jackie Robinson was actually a 
southern California local. He grew up in Pasadena, CA, and was a star 
athlete while attending the University of California at Los Angeles. 
Jackie's long-standing commitment to Dodgers heritage and his strong 
Southern California roots make us proud and endear him to Dodgers fans 
from Brooklyn to Los Angeles and everywhere in between.
  Jackie Robinson's sacrifice on and off the field has had a lasting 
impact on our nation. An athlete, businessman, and civic leader, Jackie 
helped blaze a trail for the civil rights movement in the years after 
his career as a player had ended. He conquered countless steep barriers 
with faith, dignity and grace, and he stands as a noble symbol of 
change in creating a more just American society for all.

  Jackie Robinson's spirit is still with us today. Jackie's life and 
principles are the basis for the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which 
keeps his memory alive by providing children of low-income families 
with leadership and educational opportunities. Perhaps Jackie Robinson 
himself said it best: ``A life is not important, except in the impact 
it has on other lives.''
  To honor Jackie for his countless and valuable contributions, Major 
League Baseball declared in 2003 that on April 15 each year, all Major 
League clubs will recognize this remarkable athlete and man. That same 
year my colleagues and I passed legislation honoring Jackie Robinson 
with a National Day of Recognition and awarding him the Congressional 
Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by Congress. Almost 58 years 
after Jackie Robinson trotted out to first base in a Brooklyn Dodgers 
uniform, the President today will present the Congressional Gold Medal 
to Jackie's wife Rachel, daughter Sharon and son David, along with 
other members of the Robinson family.
  I can think of no better tribute than to proclaim April 15 ``Jackie 
Robinson Day.'' Jackie's contributions and sacrifices not only changed 
a sport, but touched a nation. No athlete may have had a greater long-
term impact on his sport or society than Mr. Robinson.
  Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride and honor to ask my colleagues 
to join me today in saluting Mr. Jackie Robinson as the recipient of 
the Congressional Gold Medal and as a great American most deserving of 
his National Day of Recognition. Jackie Robinson's contributions have 
truly helped to make America ``one nation.''

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