[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5101]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING GERALDINE FERRARO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Velazquez) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a great American and 
one of the great political trailblazers in American history, Geraldine 
Ferraro. Many of us speaking today, myself included, would likely not 
have achieved our successes without her paving the way ahead of us.
  Of course, her contributions did not benefit just those of us in the 
political sphere. Her life was an important symbol to girls and women 
who aspire to succeed in any field, particularly those who have 
struggled to break into professions traditionally dominated by men.
  The 1984 Presidential campaign is remembered by many as a landslide 
for President Ronald Reagan. He was, in fact, a very popular President. 
But many of us who aspired to enter politics were electrified to see 
the first female on a Presidential ticket.
  Of course, Gerry was more than just the first woman on a Presidential 
ticket. Those of us from the New York delegation remember her service 
to Queens and, really, to all five boroughs. Before coming to the 
House, her life had already been dedicated to the service of others in 
the district attorney's office and as an educator for our city's youth.
  Perhaps most of all, she will be fondly remembered for her wit, 
kindness, and grace. Yet, despite her gentleness, she was not one to 
shirk from speaking her mind.
  Mr. Speaker, women everywhere have lost an inspiration. New York has 
lost a public servant, and all of us have lost a great American.
  Her legacy will be remembered, and I am proud to be on the House 
floor remembering her many contributions.

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