VIDEO: Young Highlights Passage of Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) spoke on the Senate floor today following passage of the Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site Act, legislation led by Senators Young and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) in the Senate and Representatives André Carson (D-Ind.-07) and Susan W. Brooks (R-Ind.-05) in the House. This legislation commemorates the Landmark for Peace Memorial in Indianapolis and establishes the site as a part of the African American Civil Rights Network. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
On April 4, Indianapolis will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s speech on the day Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed. His speech is credited with maintaining peace in Indianapolis while riots swept much of the nation.
Click here or the image below to watch Senator Young’s floor speech.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
Earlier today the Senate passed the Kennedy-King National Commemorative Site Act – an effort I was pleased to lead here in the Senate alongside my colleague Senator Donnelly.
This important bill commemorates the Landmark for Peace Memorial in Indianapolis and establishes the site as a part of the African American Civil Rights Network.
This bill would not have passed without the support of both Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Cantwell – as well as their hardworking staffs.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Representative Brooks, Senator Donnelly, and Representative Carson for working with me to pass this measure that recognizes a significant moment in Indiana’s history.
Two weeks from now, on April 4, the city of Indianapolis will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s timeless speech in the Circle City.
On that evening in 1968, Senator Kennedy was scheduled to be in Indianapolis for a campaign event.
As Senator Kennedy arrived in Indianapolis late that evening, he learned of the tragic death of Martin Luther King, Jr in Memphis, Tennessee.
Senator Kennedy decided to speak to the crowd of Hoosiers and inform them of the tragic news of King’s death, confirming the terrible rumors many were beginning to hear that evening.
Cities throughout America erupted in riots as they learned of Martin Luther King, Jr’s assassination.
However, in Indianapolis, Senator Kennedy spoke to the grief-stricken crowd and inspired them to replace the hatred they felt with compassion and love.
To this day, Hoosiers warmly remember Senator Kennedy’s moving speech and recognize his heartfelt words as the reason Indianapolis remained calm and peaceful while riots swept much of the nation.
I would like to close today with a quote from Senator Kennedy’s speech – powerful words which still ring true fifty years after he uttered them – words that mark Senator Kennedy’s grave in Arlington National Cemetery:
“What we need in the United States is not division? what we need in the United States is not hatred? what we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness, but is love, and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black.”
Thank you – I yield the floor.
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