[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1093-E1094]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF SAN FRANCISCO'S MEMORIAL TO HARVEY MILK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE SPEIER-

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2008

  Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, today marks the birthday of a civil rights 
icon and hero to millions of men and women, not just in San Francisco 
where he made his strongest impact, but all across the globe.
  Seventy-eight years ago, Harvey Milk was born in New York. After 
college at Albany State College, he enlisted in the United States Navy, 
but was dishonorably discharged when authorities discovered that he was 
gay.
  In 1970, Harvey landed in San Francisco, the city that would become 
his home and legacy. He opened a business there and began attending the 
Board of Supervisors meetings, using his bigger-than-life persona to 
introduce the public and San Francisco's elected officials to the 
plights of gays and lesbians. Today, there are many such voices, but 
Harvey Milk was a trailblazer.
  When he appeared on the scene, even in San Francisco, arguably the 
most tolerant city in our Nation, it wasn't safe or accepted to be 
outspoken on issues facing lesbians and gays. Even politicians within 
the community were silent, both about their lives and the issues that 
affected them. But Harvey wasn't one to be quieted or closeted. He told 
anyone who would listen--and more importantly, forced those who 
wouldn't--about the injustices, inequities and outright discrimination 
suffered by gays and lesbians. His voice resonated for anyone labeled 
``different'' or outside the mainstream.

[[Page E1094]]

  In 1977, after three unsuccessful attempts for elected office, Harvey 
Milk won a hard fought race and was elected to the San Francisco County 
Board of Supervisors. Notably, he became the first openly-gay elected 
official in the United States. Tragically, Harvey's tenure in office 
was cut short.
  On November 27, 1978, just weeks after working with former Governor 
Ronald Reagan to defeat the Briggs Initiative that would have banned 
gays and lesbians from teaching in public schools, Supervisor Harvey 
Milk was assassinated in San Francisco City Hall, along with Mayor 
George Moscone, by former Supervisor Dan White.
  The episode and ensuing trial was one of San Francisco's darkest 
times. Harvey Milk's assassination, like that of John F. Kennedy and 
Martin Luther King, provided a foundation upon which people of 
divergent views could come together. Today, gays, lesbians, bisexuals, 
and transgendered people have more than just one seat at the table and 
are represented by a wide range of officeholders at every level of 
government.
  If Harvey Milk were alive today, I believe he would be as proud of 
his legacy as we are of him. I also believe he would still be fighting 
for the dispossessed and voiceless everywhere.
  Madam Speaker, today the City of San Francisco unveils the Harvey 
Milk City Hall Memorial. I rise to commend the city for honoring this 
civil rights pioneer, devoted community leader, inspiration to the gay, 
lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, and truly great American.

                          ____________________