When Jackie Robinson’s wife Rachel Robinson was introduced to the podium inside the Rotunda there was a long standing ovation.

“I’m speechless. Jack was actually a very humble man. Some of you who are baseball fans wouldn’t believe that because you only saw him on the field arguing with umpires and trying to beat the other guys. But he was a very humble man. I think he would have been stunned by being acknowledged in this way and remembered in this way. It’s so grand and so beautiful. And the rotunda is not just a physical space but it carries with it so many memories and so many messages.”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQlTRKRd0VQ

“I want you to know that all those photographs are done in tile, so this thing is not an exhibit. This is here to stay! And I love the permanence of it. Not many things are permanent in life around now.”

“It’s a great thrill, and it’s also a little bit painful because of all the old memories kind of flowing back into me when I look at the pictures of our family at certain stages, or Jack’s career at certain stages. I feel very emotional about it, but very positive.”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULNfDbqj29U

“This is a great day for us. There’s been talk about the challenges that faced us and things we’ve been through. I want you to know that on this day, I feel blessed. I don’t feel like I’m a victim of anything or that I couldn’t manage. I feel strengthened by the life that we led.”