House falls silent to honor former colleague Lewis
Funeral arrangements not yet announced
WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives held a moment of silence Monday to honor the life of congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis.
“The world is a better place because John Lewis spent his life pursuing freedom, justice, opportunity, love, and peace for all of humanity,” Rep. Sanford Bishop, a Democrat considered the dean of the Georgia congressional delegation, said as he led the House in a bipartisan remembrance. “He inspired us as the conscience of Congress.”
Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., said the nation had lost a “giant,” and “it’s times like that we must be reminded of the shoulders we stand on. Shoulders of giants like John Lewis.”
For several minutes, dozens of lawmakers on the floor of the House stood silent as the chamber marked its remembrance for Lewis, who represented downtown Atlanta for more than 30 years and championed civil rights causes in Congress. Lewis died Friday night after a months-long battle with cancer.
The clerk of the House choked up as she read a resolution expressing condolences for Lewis and making arrangements for members to attend his funeral, which the House promptly adopted.
“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague. All of us who served with John know that he always worked on the side of the angels. Now he is with them. May he rest in peace,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday in a letter announcing the moment of silence.
Some people posted letters on the door of Lewis’ office in Washington, D.C., over the weekend and on Monday, thanking the congressman for his service and expressing their condolences.
On Monday morning, a black drape was installed above the door of his office, and black ribbons were placed over the plaques beside the door. A table was placed next to the door for flowers as well.
Pelosi said Lewis’ family would wait until after the memorial services for civil rights leader Rev. C.T. Vivian, who died last week, to announce plans for Lewis’ funeral.
The speaker asked members of Congress to observe the moment of silence for Lewis in place because of coronavirus-related restrictions on the number of members allowed on the floor of the House of Representatives.