OCTOBER 25, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today offered the following statement regarding the passing of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks:

"Today we mourn the passing of Rosa Parks while, at the same time, we celebrate her contributions to this nation. Rosa Parks truly was an American hero. Through her quiet dignity, she proved to the world that one person could make a difference.

"Through her simple act of not giving up her seat on a bus nearly 50 years ago, she began a civil rights crusade that continues today in all areas of life from equality in the voting process to equality in everyday American life.

"Even in her passing, Rosa Parks serves as an inspiration to us all and as an inspiration to future generations of all races. We must strive to celebrate her life and legacy each day by embracing her fight to protect the civil rights of all Americans."