The ceremony is one hour and 15 minutes. Ladies and gentlemen, please members of the United States house of representatives and the members of the United States senate and the speaker of the United States house of representatives. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the speaker of the United States house of representatives, the honorable john boehner. [applause] that afternoon and welcome to the United States gavel. Congress is celebrating the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. Frederickt proves douglass was right when he said if there is no struggle, there is no progress. Among the begins between his , for little lights standout. It was three weeks in a day after the march on washington, was inluther king jr. Birmingham, alabama. Sermonize,there to he was there to eulogize to make sense of the sunday morning murder of young addie mae collins, Denise Mcnair, carole. Obertson, and Cynthia Wesley the innocent blood of these may well serve as a redemptive force. What may have been discomfort turned out to be prophecy. Burning him had to go through hell of a but found its way back and pushed itself forward and pushed the whole country forward as well. This is one of the true american stories. Tw representatives from alabama have joined together to see that these dollars will always shine in the hearts of our nation. These daughters will always shine in the hearts of our nation. Denise put on skits in the garage to raise money. Carol always made sure she had her chores done so she could go to dance class on saturdays. Cynthia did well in math and in the band and enjoyed hosting parties in their backyard. They become recipients of our highest civilian honors, the congressional gold medal. The metal has served as an expression of appreciation for distinguished individuals. It has been awarded to jackie , who willrosa parks now share this bond. Spoke forder sister all of us when she said, after 50 years, it is well do. I am glad you are all here today. Head of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the current pastor of the 16th Street Baptist Church. We are humbled to be joined by members of the families of our honorees. This is a small token of the nations gratitude for the courage you have shown. Lets welcome our honored guests. Ladies and well ladies and gentlemen stand for the presentation of the presentation presentation of the colors and the retiring of the colors. [ national anthem] please remain standing as the chaplain of the United States senate gives the invocation. Let us pray. God, your glory fills the skies. Triumphant over the shades of night. Thank you for this congressional Gold Medal Ceremony that commemorates the brief lives of four exemplary young women, casualties in the bombing of the 16th street 15tist church on september 1963. On a day thaths they came to church to worship senseless us of the and arranged nature deranged nature of evil, motivating us to remember that all that is isessary for evil to triumph for good people to do nothing. We praise you that their tragic thehs help arouse conscience of a nation bringing deliverance to captives and freedom to the oppressed. Inspire us, oh god, to honor the denise, of adddie, carol, and cynthia, by refusing to become weary in doing what is productiveing that a part is that certain as the dawning of the springtime upon a cold, dead land. We pray in the name of him who said let the children come to me for of such is the kingdom of heaven, amen. Please be seated seated. The representative from the seventh district of alabama. [applause] the holy scripture says, a little child shall meet them. The death of these little children may lead our whole southland from the low road of mans inhumanity to the high road of peace and brotherhood. September 18, 1963. Mr. Speaker, my esteemed house and senate colleagues, cabinet officials, alabama and birmingham elected officials, and all who are assembled, good afternoon. Today we gather to honor the lives of four precious little girls. Addie mae collins, Denise Mcnair, carole robertson, Cynthia Wesley. The four little girls died in the sacred walls of the 16th Street Baptist Church 50 years ago this week as they were preparing for sunday school. They died at the hands of a system that remained silent about blatant violent acts of hatred. Later, we remain silent no more. Today, they will finally be recognized as agents of change who lost their lives and it was pivotal in the struggle for equality. Bestowrican people will the highest civilian honor that congress can bestow upon these four little girls in recognition that out of this tragedy came a movement that inspired our nation and impacted the world. The senseless deaths of the four little girls serves as a catalyst for legislative change. 50 years later, we finally honor their life and legacy. Justice delayed, but not denied. God is good. [applause] i believe it is the fitting that we would honor for little girls from birmingham under the watchful eye of another alabama daughter, rosa parks. [applause] was parks, whose statue dedicated this year and has the tinction of being the only we are blessed to be joined today by Sarah Collins rudolph, addie mays sister who was the lone survivor of the bombing. Will you please stand . [applause] sarah was in the ladiesoomlitt girls that morning and sustained serious injuries. The greatents resilience of those who suffered from injustice and you showed extreme courage in the face of incredible adversity. This nation honors u. S. Well today. You as well today. In the audience, were also joined by a host of family members representing each of the four girls. Including denises parents, the only surviving parents of the girls. [applause] all of these family members embody a level of reconciliation and forgiveness that is unique to the human condition. They do not speak or act with resentment or anger, but rather with elegance and dignity. We owe these families a debt of gratitude for what their resilience and strength has taught all of us. Will the family members please rise to be recognized . All of the family members. [applause] the events of sunday, september 15, 19 63, and the innocent lives that were lost that day transformed our nation. We not only lost the lives of four little girls, but we must not forget that two young boys who were also killed in birmingham within hours of the church bombing. We know the movement that transpired from those tragic events liberated not only a people, but a nation, a nation gripped with hatred and apathy. With the recent Supreme Court decision, we know progress is always under attack and political gains are elusive. All battles become old battles become new again. We still have much work to do. Until we reach the day when waters,rolls down like we must not stop working towards freedom and equality. I hope this ceremony will help all of us to recommit ourselves to the cause of justice and equality. This is how back we can fulfill the tremendous legacy of addie, carol, cynthia, and the niece. The names denise. There are legacy truly paved the way for me and so many others to serve here in congress. Asnow the journey i now take alabamas first black congresswoman would not be possible had it not been for the journey of patty, carol addie cynthia. Denise, and [applause] so did the harvest we all now reap. I question where i would be today without the influence of the four little girls. I question where america would be. The senseless deaths of these girls awaken the slumbering consciousness of america and galvanized the Civil Rights Movement. Their memory serves as a torch of courage and strength that john lewis carried when he marched on armed, unafraid towards Alabama State troopers in selma. [applause] ourth of their country owes a debt of gratitude to these heroes. Privileged toand have the honor of having my first piece of successful legislation to honor these four civilianth the highest honor that congress can bestow. In the midst of what has been called a dysfunctional congress, it to have bipartisan support. Or such a bill is an honor [applause] i was so proud that all of my colleagues from alabamas congressional delegation joined me as original cosponsors of the bill, putting aside partisan politics, we join together in our appreciation of alabama special role in the Civil Rights Movement. My proudest moment was to control the floor of the United States house of representatives with my friend and colleague congressman Spencer Bachus as member after member spoke about the four little girls and their special place in history while their families observed from the gallery. Thank you, spencer, for your support and friendship. [applause] two weeks later on may 24, 2013, president obama signed the bill in the oval office as we all watched with pride on it knowing that his journey, his journey as president was Proof Positive that the four little girls did not die in vain. A special thanks to senator richard shelby, who introduced andbill in the senate secured the necessary 67 cosponsors in record time. [applause] i was an intern for congressman senator shelby when he was my congressman. I know that only in america is it possible to have such a full circle moment. Able toud that we were garner such overwhelming bipartisan support for this bill with the tremendous support of the entire alabama congressional delegation. While i know that none of this would be possible had the majority leader not gone on that great pilgrimage to selma this year and made the promise that if we got the necessary two thirds cosponsors that he would indeed put the bill on the floor. Thank you. [applause] i want to thank the leadership of both parties, especially the speaker, for being so gracious for making this ceremony possible today. We know we can never be able to replace the lives lost or the injury suffered, we do know that this old metal will serve as a compelling reminder that the price of freedom is never free. The four little girls serve to have their proper place they deserve to have their proper place in history as true heroines of the civil rights era. I am privileged to be a part of the stowing this honor. May their souls rest in peace and our hearts forever be touched by the sacrifices that were made so that all of us could reap the many benefits so wonderful in our country. Thank you. [applause] gentlemen, the representative from the sixth district of alabama, the honorable spencer bacchus. Thank you. We received a memo from Speaker Boehner that said if we spoke for more than two minutes, we would be tackled like an alabama linebacker. , i shortened my remarks. I am going to move along. The first book of the bible, the closing passages from genesis god meant ityou, for good to bring about that many people should be kept alive as they are today. He comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Of reallyetrators in thes the worst day history of birmingham, the darkest the darkest day. They meant evil. They were filled with hate. But god took those ashes, the tragedy and turn it into something still tragic, still but resulting in a Civil Rights Movement and a movement for good, peace, and love. [applause] those little girls shed their blood, but not without a resolve. They willhe families join rosa parks as true heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. It is fitting that she would look over us today as we talk about them. They have joined her in history. Else that something steny hoyer and i have talked about and eric. T was a Nonviolent Movement retraced gone these steps. Ghandis steps. It was nonviolent only to those advocating equal rights. There was a lot of violence directed at them. As on this day in birmingham, Martin Luther king, john lewis chose not to return good with evil. Not to return hate with more hatred. In Civil Rights Movement because of theat current of people like john lewis, it will remain a Nonviolent Movement. What we are seeing in syria, what linda and i saw in belfast when a bomb went off, we are not experiencing that today. Commitment to peaceful settling of our grievances. Peaceful resistance. Standing up and fighting and going to jail, but not resorting to violence. That is a legacy that we ought to thank everyone who produce a paid it in this movement. Thank you. [applause] and gentlemen majority leader of the United States house of representatives, eric cantor. [applause] it is a great honor to be here today. It was a great honor to accompany my colleagues and friend steny hoyer, the democratic whip, at the snvitation of representative and the alabama delegation to go on that emigrant ship pilgrimage to retrace the steps of the euros of the Civil Rights Movement of the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. We commemorate the lives of addiefour little girls mae, denise, carole, and cynthia. It is a strong reminder of the horror endured by those who fought so hard in the Civil Rights Movement in america. Freedoms,st basic of the most basic freedoms this country embodies liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. On that day, america lost four innocent children who had gathered at a place of worship because the enemies of justice were determined to stop one of the greatest movements for freedom this nation has ever witnessed. These enemies of justice were so determined that they even attacked a house of god. They try to break the will of the Civil Rights Movement. Morning that september might have shaken the walls of that church, that they could not shake a will of the people who often gathered seeking the divine right of equality. It was a memory of the children cynthia, carole, and leaders as inspired dr. King and rosa parks and john lewis hum along with the countless others who continue their pursuit of justice through peace. As a march for equality, they demonstrated to the world that they would not forget the four little girls that were taken that day and it would not be intimidated. The congressional gold medal, one of americas highest civilian awards is given to those who had a great impact on American History and culture. Ande, cynthia, carole, denise are most deserving of that honor. Thank you. [applause] the honorable mr. Shelby. Senator reed, senator boehner, speaker kantor congressman kantor, congresswoman pelosi, i was in alabama 50 years ago 60 miles from birmingham. We heard the news. My wife and i were coming out of the presbyterian church. People were talking on the street that four innocent little girls were blown up in their sunday school in a church in birmingham. We knew then it was a shameful act, a tragic day. We could not believe it happened, but it did. Consciousness of the whole nation. It has been 50 years. It has been a long time. Thent to commend congresswoman for her tour site and perseverance in introducing to our leadership this resolution. That is why we are here today. Thank you. [applause] i also want to say thank you are asking me to sponsor that resolution in the United States and the senate responded unanimously. Tragic the legacy, the legacy, but we will not forget. That is why we are here today. Im sorry it took 50 years. Im sorry for what happened. It was a shameful day, but such a great legacy we share now. Thank you. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, u. S. Senator from maryland. [applause] i know you have a hard time seeing me. You wont have a hard time hearing me. [laughter] , thenguished colleagues many women here today who are part of a larger american community, the families of the four girls from alabama, the u. S. Senate and congress pays its respects. I was honored to be asked to be one of the lead sponsors for this congressional medal of honor for these four girls. I was so pleased that unanimously we approved this congressional manner. It is that it was ever needed. But you know what . When we think of these children of birmingham, they deserve a gold medal, as well as all the children of birmingham. What an Amazing Group of people the children of birmingham. [applause] birmingham made this trip and changed history. Changed the 1963 air. I remember it well. Economic march on washington a few weeks before. Historic march on washington a few weeks before. He said he had a dream. We all had that dream. The dream shall never die. I was a young social worker beginning my first year in graduate school. I might not have become , but i have got the degree. [laughter] they wanted to end poverty. Nothing tore was crow about in a country that had jim crow. [applause] president jack kennedy was responding, change was on the way. We were on the move. It was not only a march on washington, it was a march through history. Morning september 15, the news flashed across the airwaves that for young girls had died in. Irmingham we had died being blown up in their own church bombed. Addie mae collins, Denise Mcnair , carole robertson, Cynthia Wesley. I have spoken to diane. Thated to be told about day. The stories they recounted, diana was at college. She was on her way to become the distinguished educator she is today. Another told a story that he was at a Baptist Church a few blocks away. They heard the bomb had gone off at 16th st. Baptist church. Everyone was terrified. Thought another was to happen. The pastor said, go home. Street. T to 16th they were all there. America was horrified, horrified. When there wasr the funeral, dr. King came to give the eulogy. Churched around his own and he could not believe it. Cynthia was his classmate and dear friend. Police officers were around. What was the new thing . He saw white people in his church. , white people were in the same pews. America realized we are all in the same boat. We are all in this together. [applause] a change history. The children of birmingham are not new to change. They have their own march. Dr. King called them forth. Their parents were scared. Put themselves on the line in a civil rights march for the children of birmingham. They marched sidebyside to try to bring about change. No more segregation. No more secondhand books. Number secondhand clothes. No more secondhand clothes. [applause] the children of birmingham change history and make history. Today. E here before us the names of these four young woman there is another name by the name of condoleezza rice. She was there. Named a secretary of state and try to bring peace to the world. Er name one of the most influential educators in the world. Wow. These are the children of birmingham. They couldve lived their lives and raised families and made their own way and contribution. Maybe one might have been a cabinet member. Maybe one might have found a cure for cancer. Maybe one might have grown up to be president. [applause] we give the welldeserved congressional medal and a. Pecial thanks to diana no child in america should be redlined or to find by their race, gender, religion, or creed. We honor this. I will conclude by saying this i have been inspired by a great song. ,s i prepared my remarks today i refer to the second paragraph when hope unborn had died, the steady beat of our wary feet, we have come over treading the path of the , bright stars for 10,000 angels. God bless all of you. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, performing press on. [performing press on] dont let your burdens get you down for im here with you i wouldnt give you anything i know you couldnt do upont give stay in the fight trust and believe with all your might feel all hope is gone must press on four i wouldnt give you anything handleknow you wouldnt when you feel all hope is gone just press on oooohhhh struggling to make it but just have faith, my child ill give you all the strength you need dont let your burdens get you down for im here with you i wouldnt give you anything i know you couldnt do so dont give up stay in the fight trust and believe with all your might feel all hope is gone must press on for i wouldnt give you anything handleknow you couldnt when you feel all hope is gone just press on press on t oooohhhhh dont give up stay in the fight trust and believe with all your might feel all hope is gone , that is when you must press on for i wouldnt give you anything that i know you couldnt handle goneyou feel all hope is when you feel all hope is gone goneyou feel all hope is on press press on [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the democratic leader of the u. S. House of representatives, nancy pelosi. [applause] what a perfect song hope. When hope is gone, just rest on. Press on. It is sitting between faith and charity. I hope that is a comfort to the that it has not dulled the memories of your baby girls. 1963, it was a sunday like any other in birmingham, alabama. Families went to church. Congregations prayed. At the 16th st. Baptist church, the samee baby girls age as my grandchildren, went to sunday school. They were dressed in their sunday best. They were excitedly talking about the first day of school. Little did anyone know that morning that these four little girls would lose their lives because of who they were, what they looked like, where they were worshiping. Little did anyone know the unspeakable heartbreaking that would make them tragic icons of a movement, a symbol of a struggle for equality. , carolee collins ,obertson, Cynthia Wesley Denise Mcnair. Their names remain seared in our yours,and certainly in we know that 50 years later. They left their families, communities, and the country far too early. Dr. King declared at the Memorial Service days after the deaths sayhereir we need to work unrelentingly for the american dream. Just a few weeks after that i , of theirspeech legacy endures. Memory inspires the fight to establish justice and to form a more Perfect Union and to realize the dream, the dreams of four little girls, the dream of a nation that loves and values all of americas childrens. Several years ago, i had the privilege of traveling with reverend lewis. Not a reverend, but he is like a preacher to us. I apologize. Well. With us as has come on many of these trips and many more to come. We visited the 16th st. Baptist church in birmingham. To be therebreaking in this place that looks so normal. Such an extraordinary thing had. Appened to these little girls highly Emotional Experience i do not think any of us will ever forget for anyone who visits that sacred ground. It is also a call to action. That experience and other travels to the civil rights expressed upon me that every american should visit these sites. Anyone who travels the country should visit the patriotic sites of america. They should go. They are as important to our history as concord and lexington and Independence Hall in philadelphia and yes, the u. S. Capitol. It has shaped our history. It shipped our future. Earlier this year i had the privilege to travel to the civil rights memorial in montgomery, alabama. He told me we had to come back, him at thato visit what is it . Ceo ofhe president and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. On ourhave to go there torah patriotic places. Oftheyre on our tour patriotic places. [applause] marching for equality, stories patriotism and the and of the sacrifice. Among the names of those who were involved in this case, little girls is lives taken in a simple act in a church. Four daughters innocent victims. Memories are a blessing to all of us. Their loss must remain a sobering reminder of our task today. To ensure that equality is a right never denied, and to defend the rights of all ,mericans regardless of race and with the blessings of liberty and justice for all. Mention has been made that rosa parks is looking over our shoulders right here. She seems to have always been looking over our shoulders. Thank you, mr. Speaker, for bringing us together when we dedicated the statue. That was the day the court was hearing oral arguments on civil rights of the Voting Rights act. We came over here and dedicated the statue and hoped and prayed that the court made a different decision. Rosa parks is looking over our shoulders to see what we will do. We wont disappoint rosa parks. [applause] from thentury later tragedy of losing the little the memory of these girls fires they ignite and ignites the fires of progress. We award them the highest honor that congress can bestow the congressional gold medal. I do not remember us ever giving medals to anyone so young, evening adding up all of their ages together, so young. Usually we have a ceremony of this kind, it is about celebration and acknowledgment. This one is especially sad. On the positive side, the youth , this metal isen , theser to bestow children with their youth and sacrifice, they invigorate this metal. Be the same. Thank you to our colleagues. Thank you for making this possible today. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the republican leader of the u. S. Senate, mitch mcconnell. [applause] we gather here today to do on her to the memory to do honor to the memory of four little girls. Cynthia, andnise, carole. We recognize the role of these girls would play in the struggle for civil rights. On a sunday morning in september of 1963, a group of men with monstrous designs inspired to place more than a dozen sticks of dynamite beneath the 16th st. Baptist church in birmingham, alabama. Shortly after 10 a. M. , the dynamite blew, killing the girls and injuring many others and breaking the heart across our country. The force of the explosion ripped through the church, blasting debris over the pews ulprit, evenrit p question cars parked nearby. Even question cars parked nearby. Nearly every stained last window blew out safer one. The window that showed christ leading a group of children, but with his face missing. The symbolism was potent. After all the tragedy of september 15, the latest , some felt that god had abandoned them. They had given up hope. Us, thecripture assures lord did not abandon his flock. Today we know the bombing at the 16th st. Baptist church was a decisive turning point in the civil rights struggle. It did not zap out the embers of freedom, but fans them. News of the tragedy spread. Widespread revulsion gave way to political action. Rusher mounted. Isnt paved the way for passage fort suited the wave passage of landmark legislation. Attitudes began to change. Amazing tok, it is see how far we have come since the days of the bombing. Deaths of the four girls remains as senseless as they were tragic. I know the denial of justice for so many made the hurt that much worse. I want the family members gathered here today to know that the lives of these children meant something to the history of this country. They helped change our nation. Seekremind us of those who to divide americans by race not just through violence, but through the kind of decisive rhetoric that we all must unite to defeat. Today we offer this congressional gold medal to the memory of four children who set sundayply to attend school and not to become martyrs ascendedause, but who nonetheless to the pantheon of americans who continue their contributions to our country. Forever indebted. I hope this highest civilian honor we present will serve as a permanent reminder of our enduring gratitude. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the majority leader of the u. S. Senate, the honorable harry reid. [applause] a blast that rocked the 16th st. Baptist church five decades , blew out every stained glass window in the church except for one. I know he was going to use this reference, but it is worth repeating. It blew out every stained glass window except for one. One window that remained was an image of jesus leading children to safety. On that september morning, there was no safety for those little girls. Addie mae collins, Denise Mcnair , carole robertson, or Cynthia Wesley. Not even in sunday school. There was salvation for these four young ladies and for our nation. Outrage sparked by the death of these four innocents united the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King said at the funeral for god still has a way of bringing good out of evil. There is no greater evil than bombing a church with little kids on a sunday morning. Today we honor the girls sacrifice and remember all of these young ladies. Thank you to everyone who cosponsored this legislation further work and dedication to making this possible. As you all know, it is hard for us to agree on anything. I admire what they have done to get things done so quickly. Four precious children more and buy their family and friends and mourned by an entire nation. Lets talk about these girls. Activist even though she was only in elementary school. She raised money for charity by doing things in her garage, her familys garage. Was 11. Oldie mae was a 14year softball player. An artist who loved to draw. 14. Cynthia was very good at math and played in the high school band. She was 14. A straight a student. A girl scout. She sang in the high school choir. She was 14. Neither words nor the passage of time can ease the pain of their loss. Even total strangers felt the loss. I believe there is comfort in that theirge sacrifice that this nation on a path toward making justice a reality for all of gods children. [applause] ladies and gentlemen, the speaker of the u. S. House of representatives, the honorable john boehner. [applause] i want to say thank you to all of my colleagues come especially eric cantor. He was instrumental in making this medal a reality. I will leave you with this this does serve a much more fundamental purchase purpose, and that is to honor the blessings that this nation was founded upon. Like his ideas presses. Put in another way, life is short. These lives were far too short. When ruby realize life is short, we focus on what matters and on who matters when we realize life is short, we focus on what matters and on who matters. This a ceremony, but i call it just love. This andus through will see us through the trials that we all face. The symbol of wisdom dr. King , a littles eulogy child shall lead them. Once again, our children have let us to the simplest of notions. They bring us together. They give us hope for one hours running out. When ours runs out. We we could always use a solid gold reminder. In the name of the american edal to a gold m commemorate the lives of addie ,ae collins, Denise Mcnair carole robertson, and Cynthia Wesley. May we serve their lives with honor. [applause] the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16th st. Baptist church. [applause] [applause] ladies and gentlemen, president and ceo of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. [applause] was in that something . Wasnt that something . [applause] good afternoon. When a major part of your in the world is to find resources for your institution, you must give panks to congresswoman elosi for knowledge and the needs of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. [laughter] [applause] especially when you have a zero based budget. Add to that. I understand the importance of this program and the seriousness of it. I work at institution where we trying to make have our name referenced at a program like this is very important. Viewinglike the audience to visit our website, bcri. Org. You will learn about our howrams and also and also you can help us. Said, today i humbly accept this congressional gold medal presented in honor of addie mae collins, Denise Mcnair , carole robertson, and Cynthia Wesley. Im behalf of the board of nursing and staff of the birmingham civil rights , can you please stand . [applause] we are members of the board of directors. Please stand. They are here with us. [applause] facility has been designated to how to preserve this metal. I pledge our commitment to tell the story of what happened in birmingham during 1963, especially on september 15, 1963, and two years that story as the guidepost as we look at 50 years forward and where to go from here. Institute andthe ie city of birmingham and want you to meet our mayor. [applause] and members of our city council. Please stand. I want you to see the kind of support that we have. Speaker, for. Hosting this Wonderful Program and presentation. Members of the alabama congressional delegation, especially the honorable terry. [applause] and the honorable senator baucus. Also, special thank you to the u. S. Senate or richard senator richard shelby. [applause] and other members of the congressional leadership was is ratesence today meaning to us in birmingham. Finally, i want to recognize the family of the four little girls lost their lives on set number 15. They represent the ones who paid the ultimate price for freedom. Through their eyes, words, we understand that pain such a loss can bring. More, we understand the responsibility of telling the story and keeping it alive for future generations to hear, experience, and to grow from. Am a representative. On their behalf, i pledge to treasure this congressional gold medal and two care for it and to preserve it along with the precious memory of the lives it represents. Thank you. [applause] gentlemen, we as the benediction is given. Let us pray. Blessed are you bethlehem in the land of judah. You suffered the inhumanity in the murder of your babes. Augustin so many centuries ago. He continues, the death of these children is precious in the sight of god because of the they gave so quickly. In the beginning of their lives, they passed on the end of the present life was for them the beginning of glory. Years laterese 50 as people of faith and hope, we struggle still with the terrible death of such innocent ones. Carole,e, denise, cynthia. Unnecessaryir deaths and blood spilled for of everd to be the seed greater equality and freedom in our nation. You birmingham in alabama. You suffer the inhumanity of racial hatred and the murder of your babes. God, made the sacrifice of effectoung girls have an in the healing of our nations racial wounds. Amen. Amen. Ladies and gentlemen, please remain in your seats for the departure of the official party. [captions Copyright National cable satellite corp. 2013] [captioning performed by national captioning institute] seen a coffin that small. It was awful. It was just awful. What you need some said we upset things. They talked about how mean spirited people could be. He was dr. King taking responsibility. He looked into the faces of those parents and said, life is as hard as steel. In other words, i do not know what to say. It is hard for all of us. I remember that. I really do. I will tell you what gives me hope in the midst of the darkness. It was the first time i had seen whites in my church. Commemorating the memory of the 16th st. Baptist church bombing. Sunday beginning at 11 a. M. Eastern on cspan 3 American History tv. Newsmakers,ds r representative rob wittman is our guest. He gives his views on how the automatic spending cuts known as a crustacean are affecting the pentagons budget and the militarys overall effectiveness. Arenown as sequestration affecting the pentagons budget and the militarys overall effectiveness. You had used those investment dollars. Elements get pushed, where do you go to get resources . Now. Not just what we face it is 50 billion a year. You are going to quickly see the impact. When you get to the point of seeing the impact, it is a precipitous dropoff in readiness. We are beginning to see those elements. We get those readiness briefs. We see where things are trending. The trends are not good ones. It is ans made cluster dollars should not replace, the impact will be significant. Cr arehe impact of the c equally going to be as troubling for the military. Do you see any situation where the house would reverse sequester huts in the upcoming cp . Cr . I do not know if it would be in the cr. How can you