« This ship will be a beacon to the world reminding all who see it of the persistence and courage of John Lewis. »
The U.S. Navy christened the USNS John Lewis on Saturday, honoring the late congressman on the one-year anniversary of his death. Family and friends of the civil rights icon joined senior lawmakers for the christening ceremony in San Diego. “It’s fitting that we honor John Lewis with this formidable ship, because John Lewis was a warrior. One of the mottos of the Navy is ‘Semper Fortis’ — ‘Always Courageous’ — and John Lewis was indeed always courageous,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at the event. “This ship will be a beacon to the world reminding all who see it of the persistence and courage of John Lewis,” she added. Actress and activist Alfre Woodard, the ship’s sponsor, christened the John Lewis with champagne saying, “May God bless this ship and all who sail in her.
