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After six days of memorial services in 5 different cities, Rep. John Lewis was laid to rest in his home state of Georgia.
The civil rights activist died on July 17 at the age of 80. But before he passed away, he wrote one final essay, to be published on the same day as his funeral. Today.
In his final essay, Lewis urged the younger generations to carry on the fight, writing "Now it is your turn to let freedom ring."
“Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe,” he wrote. “In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.”
Former president Barack Obama delivered the eulogy on Thursday at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where Lewis used to worship. The funeral was attended by former presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton, who also spoke. Former president Jimmy Carter sent in a written letter.
Read 'Together, You Can Redeem the Soul' on the New York Times.