[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23676]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ROSA PARKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2005

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and celebrate 
the life of Rosa Parks and her immense contribution to the struggle for 
human rights and the betterment of American society. Rosa died in her 
Detroit, Michigan, home on Monday, October 24, 2005, at age 92. 
Although saddened by this great loss, I cannot help but have great 
admiration for the courageous woman who kept her seat in a time of 
injustice. Known as the ``mother of civil rights,'' Rosa unremittingly 
devoted her life to guarantee equal rights to all Americans.
  Rosa, clothed with determination, refused to give up her seat on a 
Montgomery, Alabama, bus 50 years ago and injected life and energy into 
the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa's actions led to a 380-day citywide bus 
boycott and influenced a Supreme Court decision that demanded all 
public transportation be desegregated. Rosa's civil disobedience gave 
rise to a young minister, Martin Luther King, Jr., and to a wave of 
mass demonstrations and protests that changed a nation. Rosa's 
relentless belief in the American ideal that ``all men are created 
equal'' strengthened her ability to make a difference.
  Many honors were given to Rosa during her life, memorializing her 
monumental achievements. She received the Congressional Gold Medal, the 
nation's highest government award showing appreciation for her 
distinguished achievements and contributions, and the Presidential 
Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, which recognizes 
exceptional meritorious service. More than 40 colleges and universities 
bestowed Rosa with an honorary doctorate. A museum and library on the 
Montgomery corner where she boarded the bus in 1955, is named for her. 
It is difficult to find a U.S. history book that does not mention her 
role in history.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
legacy of Rosa Parks who gave selflessly to ensure the basic principles 
of American democracy were afforded to everyone. Rosa improved the 
quality of life for many and made the United States into a place where 
all people enjoy freedom.

                          ____________________