March 9, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 45 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING HERMAN FLORA FOR OBTAINING THE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT

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                         HON. WM. LACY CLAY----

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 9, 2020

  Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, in the midst of racial segregation in the 
1950s, many Black Americans were forced to forego opportunities and 
achievements they rightfully earned and deserved. One such instance was 
finally made right this past February when Herman Flora was recognized 
with the long-awaited honor of becoming an Eagle Scout.
  Mr. Flora joined the Boy Scouts when he was a child in 1943. 
Unfortunately, he was prevented from becoming an Eagle Scout because he 
lived in a Virginia community where Blacks were routinely barred from 
public swimming pools, which thereby prevented him from earning the 
swimming merit badge that was required of all Eagle Scouts.
  Mr. Flora did not let that missed opportunity stop him from being 
active in his community. He remained committed to the lessons he 
learned during his time as a Boy Scout. He continued to engage in 
community service, pursued higher education, and went on to enlist in 
the U,Army before graduating from Howard University.
  Stories such as Mr. Flora's must be recognized and honored for how 
they shed light on our history, and the individuals who have overcome 
and prospered in the face of systemic racism.

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