"... your turn to let freedom ring"

U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Georgia), who died July 17, will be laid to rest today in Atlanta following funeral services at Ebenezer Baptist Church, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. (central time). Former U.S. presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are expected to attend. At 95, President Jimmy Carter no longer travels and, of course,  the current president will not be there.

Days before his death, Mr. Lewis wrote a brief essay to be published in The New York Times on the day of his funeral. It concludes with the following:

"Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.

"When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide."

You may read the entire piece by following this link.