ATLANTA (March 29, 2011) – State Sen. Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta) welcomed U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) to the Senate Chamber this week to recognize him for his lifetime of achievement and as the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“I was proud to welcome such a distinguished figure in Georgia politics to our State Capitol. Every day that we enjoy the rights of justice and equality, we owe thanks to the work of Congressman Lewis who put his life on the line to fight for our freedoms,” said Orrock. “The long shadow cast by his accomplishments should serve as an inspiration to America’s future leaders to continue working to preserve human rights.”
In February, Lewis earned the nation’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The award was established by President Harry Truman in 1945 to recognize civilians for their efforts during World War II, and was later resumed by President John F. Kennedy as a way to bestow honor for distinguished non-military service to this country.
A renowned civil rights leader, Lewis organized marches and protests across the South in order to end racial segregation. He nearly lost his life for the cause of “Bloody Sunday” when he and other marchers were beaten unconscious by law enforcement officers during a march for voting rights. Lewis is the last surviving speaker of the 1963 March on Washington, which culminated at the Lincoln Memorial with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Sen. Nan Orrock represents the 36th Senate District, which includes portions of Fulton County. She may be reached by phone at 404.463.8054 or via e-mail at nan.orrock@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 29, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
Kallarin.Richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028