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Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (FL-22), along with Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL-21) introduced a resolution on Friday honoring Sir Nicholas “Nicky” Winton, who helped 669 children escape from Nazi refugee camps in Czechoslovakia and find safety in Great Britain and Sweden. Sir Nicholas’ actions saved the lives of these children, since most of their families who remained in Czechoslovakia perished.
“A resolution honoring the heroic efforts of Sir Nicholas Winton is long overdue, and I’m honored to join my colleague from Florida, Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, in introducing this resolution,” said Klein. “Sir Nicholas never sought praise or recognition for saving the lives of 669 children, many of whom went on to be doctors, nurses, teachers, ministers, pilots, and even a British Member of Parliament. In fact, the story of Nicholas Winton was discovered by his wife, when she came across lists of children and letters from their parents stored in an old briefcase. He risked his own life to save the lives of hundreds of others, and it is a privilege for me to be a part of this effort to commend him in Congress. ”
“It is an honor to introduce this resolution honoring Sir Nicolas Winton with my colleague from Florida, Congressman Ron Klein,” said Congressman Diaz-Balart. “Nicolas Winton helped save the lives of over 600 children by assisting them in their escape from the horrors of Nazi refugee camps to find safety in Great Britain and Sweden. Nicolas Winton never sought credit or fame for his heroism. In fact, his actions went unrecognized for more than half a century, even by his family and the children who for years did not know to whom they owed their lives. Nicolas Winton risked his own life so that others could live in freedom. This resolution is long overdue and it is a privilege for me to be part of this effort to recognize him in the U.S. Congress,” concluded Diaz-Balart.
Earlier this week, Klein and Diaz-Balart circulated a Dear Colleague urging Members of Congress to co-sponsor their resolution. Currently, over 35 Members are co-sponsoring this resolution.
Nicholas Winton has been honored with the title of Member of the British Empire (MBE), was awarded the Freedom of the City of Prague, received the Czech Order of T. G. Masaryk, and was given a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for services to humanity. He is 97 years old.
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