    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [May 4, 1999]
    [Page 687]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing Legislation To Award the Congressional Gold Medal
    to Rosa Parks
    May 4, 1999

        I am proud to sign S. 531, a bill which authorizes me to bestow the
    Congressional Gold Medal to Rosa Parks.
        Forty-three years ago, in Alabama, Rosa Parks boarded a public bus,
    took a seat, and began a remarkable journey. Her action that December
    day was, in itself, a simple one; but it required uncommon courage. It
    was a ringing rebuke to those who denied the dignity and restricted the
    rights of African-Americans. And it was an inspiration to all Americans
    struggling together to shed the prejudices of the past and to build a
    better future. Rosa Parks' short bus trip, and all the distance she has
    traveled in the years since, have brought the American people ever
    closer to the promised land that we know it can truly be.

    Note: S. 531, approved May 4, was assigned Public Law No. 106-26.