Bush gives Congressional gold medal to family of majors' first black player.
LOS ANGELES - Jackie Robinson was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal on Wednesday, more than half a century after breaking baseball’s color barrier.
President Bush gave Congress’ highest honor to Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, in a stately ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. The Democratic and Republican leaders of the House and Senate and the commissioner of major league baseball looked on.
“His story is one that shows what one person can do to hold America to account to its founding promise of freedom and equality,” Bush said. “It’s a lesson for people coming up to see. One person can make a big difference in setting the tone of this country.”
When Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, professional baseball was segregated. He died in 1972 and his No. 42 was retired throughout baseball in 1997.
“This medal confirms what we know,” Rachel Robinson said. “Jackie Robinson stands as a heroic role model for all Americans who believe in justice and equality.”
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Jackie Robinson was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal on Wednesday, more than half a century after breaking baseball’s color barrier.
President Bush gave Congress’ highest honor to Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, in a stately ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. The Democratic and Republican leaders of the House and Senate and the commissioner of major league baseball looked on.
“His story is one that shows what one person can do to hold America to account to its founding promise of freedom and equality,” Bush said. “It’s a lesson for people coming up to see. One person can make a big difference in setting the tone of this country.”
When Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, professional baseball was segregated. He died in 1972 and his No. 42 was retired throughout baseball in 1997.
“This medal confirms what we know,” Rachel Robinson said. “Jackie Robinson stands as a heroic role model for all Americans who believe in justice and equality.”
Associated Press
