Leader Cantor Honors Birmingham Bombing Victims with Congressional Gold Medal

Statement

"Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before the House today in support of this award to honor Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Denise McNair by awarding them, the Congressional Gold Medal.

"The 50th anniversary of the attack on the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham is a strong reminder of how many people fought and died in the Civil Rights Movement so that this country could live up to its founding ideals of equality and opportunity.

"On a recent trip to Selma, Alabama, I had the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with Congressman John Lewis and other Civil Rights heroes who stood on the front lines and fought to change America for the better. We must never forget the hardships they confronted and sacrifices they made.

"While reflecting on such moments in our history and by honoring those who came before us, I look forward to focusing on ways in which we all can stand together once again and continue to solve our nation's problems and move forward in unison.

"I would like to thank Congresswoman Sewell, Congressman Bachus and the rest of the Alabama delegation for their hard work on this matter and bringing it forward."

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