[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING CONGRESSMAN JOHN R. LEWIS AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE NATIONAL 
    PEACE MEDAL AND THE GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS AWARD

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                            HON. JON RUNYAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2013

  Mr. RUNYAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize 
Congressman John R. Lewis as the recipient of the National Peace Medal 
and the Global and International Civil Rights Award. I thank him for 
his service and invaluable contributions to making our country a better 
place for all Americans.
  I am pleased that National Stop the Violence Alliance, Inc. is 
presenting Congressman Lewis with these two coveted awards at a 
ceremony in my home district.
  Congressman Lewis has dedicated his life to the principles of non-
violence as a means of social change. He believes in non-violence, but 
unlike so many, has actually lived accordingly, putting his own life at 
risk to show his commitment.
  Congressman Lewis is known as one of the most courageous leaders of 
the Civil Rights Movement and played a pivotal role in the struggle to 
end segregation and legalized racial discrimination. He knew from a 
very young age that the America he was living in was not the best that 
our country had to offer. Inspired by Rosa Parks and the non-violent 
message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Congressman Lewis would later 
recall, ``It seemed like he was saying to me, John Lewis, you too can 
make a contribution.''
  Mr. Speaker, Congressman Lewis' contributions are invaluable. Because 
of his courage and steadfast commitment to ensuring freedom and 
equality for all Americans, our country is closer than ever before to 
living up to the ideals of our founders.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in offering our sincere 
thanks and appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from Georgia, 
the Honorable John R. Lewis.

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