[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 63 (Monday, April 11, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE SERVICE OF BETTY REID SOSKIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 11, 2022

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service 
of esteemed activist and public servant, Betty Reid Soskin, upon her 
retirement from the National Park Service.
  Throughout her life and career, Betty has demonstrated steadfast 
dedication to advocacy and service. During World War II, she was a file 
clerk for the Boilermakers Union A-36, an all-Black union auxiliary. 
Betty continued her community involvement as an active voice in 
protesting the Vietnam War and writing music about the experiences of 
the Civil Rights Movement. She also held other esteemed positions like 
serving as a delegate to the 1972 Democratic National Convention, 
legislative aide for a Berkley City Councilmember, and field 
representative for two California State Assemblymembers.
  In 2000 when the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National 
Historic Park was established in Richmond, California, Betty became 
actively involved in preserving the East Bay's rich history. In 2004, 
Betty became a ranger with the National Park Service assigned to the 
Rosie the Riveter Park. In this role, Betty educated thousands of park 
visitors by sharing her story as a young Black woman working during the 
war. Betty has worked tirelessly to continue honoring the past and to 
teach future generations about the wartime efforts. Her voice has been 
critical in highlighting the experiences of women and African Americans 
who had participated in the war so that these stories are not 
forgotten. At 100 years old, Betty was the oldest National Park Ranger 
in the country.
  Betty has been rightfully recognized over the years for her advocacy 
and commitment to social justice. Betty was named ``Woman of the Year'' 
in 1995 by the California State Legislature and was recognized by the 
National Women's History Project as one of the country's ten 
outstanding women in 2006. She was formally recognized by President 
Obama in 2015, even having the honor of lighting the National Christmas 
Tree that year. Additionally, she was Glamour Magazine's ``Woman of the 
Year'' in 2018 and recently had a middle school in El Sobrante named 
after her.
  Betty is a pillar of our community and I am proud to call her a 
friend. Her leadership and passionate spirit are an inspiration to all 
who know her. Please join me in congratulating Betty on her retirement 
and honoring her for her years of dedicated service.

                          ____________________