John Lewis: America Says Farewell
Former President Barack Obama and a host of dignitaries pay tribute to the late Congressman and civil rights hero John Lewis. NBC's Chris Pollone reports.
(NBC News) — Civil rights icon and Congressman John Lewis has been laid to rest.
Three former presidents, Congressional leaders, family and friends gathered Thursday for Lewis’ funeral in the Atlanta church where Martin Luther King, Junior was once pastor to say goodbye.
More than a funeral, it was a celebration of life and that life’s impact on the nation.
“In a moment when there is so much political cynicism and narcism that masquerades as patriotism, here lies a true American patriot who risked his life and limb for the hope and promise of democracy,” Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock said.
In his eulogy, former President Barack Obama remembered Lewis as a founding father of a more fair America.
“John always said he always saw the best in us, he never gave up and never stopped speaking out because he saw the best in us,” Mr. Obama said.
The former president went on to call Congress to revitalize the Voting Rights Act in Lewis’ honor, “the law that he was willing to die for.”
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