[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[House]
[Page 23610]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                               ROSA PARKS

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say today we live in an age of 
heroes. Not so long ago it seemed like we did not have heroes anymore, 
but today heroes seem to be plentiful. Our soldiers in Iraq and 
Afghanistan are risking their lives every day so that people half a 
world away can live in peace and democracy.
  Our first responders on September 11 proved that hundreds of people 
can rise up jointly in one great act of heroism. Todd Beamer and the 
other heroes of Flight 93 are soon to be featured in films. Difficult 
times require heroes, and America has always risen to the challenge.
  Today we are remembering another difficult time, the era of Jim Crow 
and racial bigotry, and we are remembering that gentle and humble woman 
who would not give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama; that 
one act of courage sparked a boycott which led to a movement which has 
changed the lives of every American.
  Rosa Parks was a real, genuine hero, the kind of American our Nation 
has always produced when tough times required it. Today I am sure she 
is hearing the words, well done, good and faithful servant.

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