Sunday, October 30, 2005 - Rosa Parks lay in honor in the Rotunda of the US Capitol tonight -- the thirtieth person, first woman, second African-American, surely the humblest ever to be so honored. From the lowliest of platforms, a segregated city bus seat, she spoke the bitter truth to all Americas -- a truth that we weren't willing to face as a nation -- that the noble ideals upon which the nation was formed were not true for all Americans. Rosa Parks helped us learn that 'all men are created equal' means more than mere words on parchment. A lone, humble woman sparked a fire that made us all see the light.

Although I have had other opportunities to experience historic moments here in Washington, I have never been so moved, so overwhelmed, or so proud as when I passed, with tens of thousands of others, beside Ms. Parks' coffin.