News and Updates
Former Senator Edward Brooke recieves Congressional Medal of Honor
reprinted from an article by Susan Milligan, Globe StaffWASHINGTON -- A legendary Massachusetts senator -- backed by another legendary Bay State senator -- today received the highest honor Congress can bestow. Edward W. Brooke was given the Congressional Gold Medal.
The father of the Federal Housing Rent program called "The Brooke Amendment", Sen. Edward Brooke stated: "America's greatness lies in its wondrous diversity. Our magnificent pluralism has made our country great. Our ever-widening diversity will keep us great."
Brooke, the first African-American to be elected to the Senate by popular vote, was feted by President Obama and congressional leaders in the Capitol Rotunda, two years after the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy collected the 67 Senate votes required to give the medal.
Ed Brooke eminently deserves this distinguished award for his extraordinary life and commitment to public service. As an outstanding public official and true statesman, he�s fought for equal opportunity and equal justice for all throughout his brilliant career. He broke down many barriers and reached across party lines to do so, and I congratulate him on this special tribute by Congress,� Senator Paul G. Kirk Jr., who took Kennedy's seat in the Senate until the January special election, said in a statement today.
Obama said that Brooke "moved the arc of history" and that many, including him, followed in his legacy.
Brooke was truly a pioneer, successfully facing segregation in the Army and in Boston's legal community, as well as in politics, Obama said.
"Ed was unfazed," the president said, never giving up on the belief that people would ultimately judge him not on the color of his skin, but on his character, judgment, and policies.
Obama noted that Brooke drew support from across the political spectrum, including feminist Gloria Steinem and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.