This year's Black History Month began on a sad note as I joined my colleagues on the House floor in support of a resolution honoring the life of Coretta Scott King and expressing condolences to the King family on her passing.

In my remarks, I asked that we ALL honor Ms. King's legacy by collectively taking up the torch she carried so high for so long.

I think that Ms. King would agree that the House of Representatives raised the torch high last week as I joined a number of my colleagues in support of two important resolutions--one honoring past contributions of our African American soldiers and another that recognizes a new partnership that will provide opportunities for minorities for years to come.

H.R. 1259, which passed the House floor unanimously last week, authorizes the President to grant the Tuskegee Airmen the Congressional Gold Medal. Now in their 80s, these Airmen made history during World War II when they collectively earned more than 744 Air Medals, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Bronze Star Medals, eight Purple Hearts, one Silver Star, two Soldier Medals and one Legion of Merit. Sixty-six Airmen lost their lives in combat. At war's end, in part because of the Airmen's distinguished record, the government moved to integrate the US Armed Forces--a watershed event in American history.

It was an honor to recognize the efforts and sacrifices of these brave soldier who played such an integral role in helping advance our society by inspiring the desegregation of the U.S. military at the end of World War II.

As we honored these brave men, we also recognized the efforts of those who continue to fight for equal opportunities for all Americans. H. Res. 677 recognizes the NASCAR-HBCU Partnership, a partnership between NASCAR and Historically Black Colleges and Universities that will focus on developing and operating a program to increase the number and quality of job opportunities for African American and minority students in key racing and other related automotive business activities.

This program will enhance the funding for targeted job development by partnering HBCUs and generate support for efforts to develop curriculum in sports marketing, finance, human resource management and other automotive industry areas.

Our work to provide equal opportunities for all Americans should be a year-round mission. Let's continue to carry the torch that Coretta Scott King, Ms. Rosa Parks, the Tuskagee Airmen and so many others lifted without complaint and often without recognition. We owe it to their legacy and we owe it to our future.