NDIA honors legacy of Rep. John Lewis

ARLINGTON, VA -- The National Defense Industrial Association mourns the passing July 17 of Rep. John Lewis, and extends condolences to his family, friends and all those honored to know the “conscience of the Congress.” 

For more than 30 years, Lewis represented Georgia’s 5th District and fought for equality and justice throughout the nation.  

Lewis was a valiant stalwart of the civil rights movement. He helped organize the 1963 March on Washington, where at age 23 he was the youngest speaker. He was one of the 13 original Freedom Riders, who challenged segregated interstate travel in the South. His leadership of more than 600 marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on what would become known as “Bloody Sunday” is credited with helping pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His non-violent actions helped end legalized segregation in the United States.

Lewis received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2011. In 2019, the USNS John Lewis, a noncombat vessel used for fleet replenishment, was named for him. NDIA salutes Rep. John Lewis for his dedication to freedom and justice for all, and we honor his passing.