Calling him”moral compass” of the United States Congress, colleague Fred Upton is mourning the passing of Congressman John Lewis Friday night.
The two were very close colleagues from opposite sides of the aisle, with mutual respect for one another, as shown in the photo provided by Upton from an occasion earlier this spring on March 3rd at the U.S. Capitol celebrating Lewis’ birthday.
Upton today released the following statement from his home in St. Joe on the passing of Congressman Lewis:
“The Congress, our nation, and the world lost a giant last night. I’m truly saddened to wake to the news that John Lewis – my friend, a civil rights icon, and a powerful force for justice in our nation – passed from this world.
The Congress will miss John, our moral compass. He served his constituents and the United States with a deep sense of duty, unparalleled courage, and conviction. He was a true role model and mentor to so many of us. No one spoke more eloquently. Every time he got up to speak you could hear a pin drop on the House floor. To be in the same room with John Lewis was to be encouraged and inspired; challenged and changed. His experience, life, and wisdom taught all of us so much.
John and I were first elected to Congress in the same year. We shared a deep friendship over the past three decades, and I will miss him. He’s come to southwest Michigan. I joined him and marched in Selma and Birmingham, in his footsteps following his leadership and grace – life changing moments. It is incumbent upon all of us now to live like John. It is time for us to choose ‘to lay down the burden of hate – it is simply too heavy a burden to bear.’ Amey and I will keep all of John’s friends and family in our prayers during this sad and challenging time.”
Meanwhile, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff today, Saturday, July 18, 2020, to honor the life and service of Congressman John Lewis.
The governor says, “Congressman John Lewis was a civil rights legend who stood firmly on the front lines of our nation’s history,” and adds, “Congressman Lewis dedicated his life to building a more just, equitable nation for Black Americans everywhere, and his unwavering commitment to public service has set an example for leaders across the country. His work with leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King transformed our nation. John Lewis was an icon, and I know that people everywhere will feel the impact of his passing. May we honor his legacy by continuing the work to fix the systemic racism Black Americans face every day and build a country where everyone, no matter the color of their skin, can find opportunity. My heart goes out to the congressman’s family and loved ones during this time.”
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist shares the sadness, saying, “America lost one of its greatest warriors in the fight for civil rights at a time when his leadership was needed the most,” adding, “As our congressional and collective consciousness for two generations, John Lewis paved the way for so many people to make history by laying the foundation upon which I and so many others stand. This loss hits deep in the soul of every American, but we find solace in knowing that he inspired a legion of champions for change to carry forward this mission of justice, so that the next generation can be, believe, and become their greatest selves. We must recommit to righting the wrongs that John Lewis fought today and every day. To the man who caused good trouble: rest in power.”
The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor and selfless service of Congressman John Lewis by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.
Flags should be returned to full-staff tomorrow, on Sunday, July 19, 2020.
