Obama: Civil Rights Activists Had ‘Faith Questioned,’ ‘Patriotism Challenged’

BARACK OBAMA: "As we commemorate their achievement, we are well served to remember that at the time of the marches, many in power condemned rather than praised them. Back then they were called communists or half breeds or outside agitators. Sexual and moral degenerates and, worse, they were called everything but the name their parents gave them. Their faith was questioned. Their lives were threatened. Their patriotism challenged. And yet what could be more American than what happened in this place? What could more profoundly vindicate the idea of America thanble people. Unsung. The dreamers not of high station, not born to wealth or privilege. Not of one religious tradition, but many. Coming together to shape their country's course. What greater expression of faith in the American experiment than this. What greater form of patriotism is there than the belief that America is not yet finished. That we are strong enough to be self-critical. That each successive generation can look upon our imperfections and decide that it is in our power to remake this nation to more closely align with our highest ideals. That's why Selma is not some outlier in the American experience. That's why it's not a museum or a static monument to behold from a distance. It is, instead, a creed written into our documents."