Pelosi Remarks at Reception Honoring Life and Legacy of Geraldine Ferraro

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks tonight at a reception she hosted at the Library of Congress to honor the life and legacy of Geraldine Ferraro. Geraldine Ferraro, a former Congresswoman and the first woman vice presidential candidate on a major ticket, passed away over the weekend. Below are Leader Pelosi’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

“On this day, we come together to pay tribute to a remarkable woman, who was born on Women’s Equality Day, the anniversary of the 19th amendment becoming law, and buried on the last day of Women’s History Month: Geraldine Ferraro.

“It’s appropriate that we do so here – in the Member’s Room of the Library of Congress – because Gerry’s service in the House is a source of pride to all of us in Congress.

“Gerry loved the House; the House loved her right back. Speaker Tip O’Neill was quick to recognize her talent; her colleagues on both sides of the aisle appreciated her intellect, her commitment, and her inimitable charm.

“In San Francisco, at the Moscone Center, Gerry declared, ‘If we can do this, we can do anything.’ And we believed her. She inspired women across the country to reach their own greatness as they strengthened our country.

“It is a source of personal pride to me that Geraldine Ferraro was not just the first woman national candidate – but the first Italian American. Her family was proud of their Italian American heritage, deeply patriotic, devoutly Catholic, and staunchly Democratic.

“The center of Gerry’s life was always her family. Just eight months ago, Geraldine and John celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary - renewing their vows in the same Manhattan church where they had been married. She loved her children – Donna, Laura, and John Jr., and took enormous pride in their success. And her eight grandchildren brought her great joy.

“In her electrifying acceptance speech, Gerry said 'Every one of us is given the gift of life, and what a strange gift it is. If it is preserved jealously and selfishly, it impoverishes and saddens. But if it is spent for others, it enriches and beautifies.'

“Geraldine Ferraro’s life was spent for others; she enriched and beautified our nation, and indeed our world. May we live up to her example. May she rest in peace.”