President Honors Jackie Robinson FULL STREAMING VIDEO at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony The U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. President's Remarks 3:18 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Members of Congress. Mrs. Robinson, and Sharon and Dave, Laura and I are honored to be with you all as we honor your husband and your dad. Reverend Jackson. You know, I figure I'm the ninth speaker -- (laughter.) I spent a little time in baseball. Commissioner, it's good to see you and appreciate the McCourts being here of the great Los Angeles Dodgers family. But a lot of times, the ninth hitter was told by the manager, keep your swing short. (Laughter.) I kind of guess that's what Nancy Pelosi meant when I got up -- she said, you are the ninth speaker. (Laughter.) How about keeping it short?
I found Martin Luther King's quote about him interesting. I'm sure you will, too. He said, "He was a freedom rider before freedom rides." That's a pretty high compliment, when you think about it. To me, it just says, courage and decency and honor.
This son of Georgia sharecroppers was taught by his mother that the best weapon against racism was the use of his talent, his God-given talent, not to waste a minute, and he didn't. And that spirit, passed on from mother to son, and now son to family, still lives through the Jackie Robinson Foundation. The Jackie Robinson Foundation is a noble cause to help academically-gifted students of color go to college. I know the Dodgers will continue to support that foundation. I hope baseball continues to do so, as well.
It is my honor now to join Speaker Hastert and Senator Stevens in presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Rachel Robinson, in the name of her husband, the great baseball star and great American, Jackie Robinson. (Applause.)
(The medal is presented.)
END 3:24 P.M. EST For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary March 2, 2005
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