Eddie Bernice Johnson 1987 in the Dallas Morning News High Profile

“There are two great days in a person’s life; the day we are born and the day we discover why.”
William Barclay

My Day

By Dr. J. Ester Davis

Written by Colleen O’Connor

“Happy Birthday to Eddie Bernice Johnson, U. S. Congress”

This summer the Universal Peace Federation sponsored Peace Road 2020 across the United States.

Their stop was again in Dallas with services and prayers  at Thanksgiving Square.  About the same time the Peace Road Tour was underway, the Japanese American Women from the DFW Family Church, was finalizing their mission of donating 1000 hand made  paper  Senbazuru Origami Cranes to the Dallas Police Department Museum in memory of the fallen police and DART officers in 2017.  In the Japanese culture, the Senbazuru  Origami Cranes are a sign of peace and happiness.

The Japanese American Women, who are familiar with Eddie Bernice Johnson’s global peace work wanted her to be a part of the ceremonies.  The congresswoman’s schedule would not permit attendance, but she immediate prepared a personal note to the members.

I have heard the Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson  say publicly that “I am running on my record”.  And that record really has no ending, but is paved with a lot of ‘firsts’.   Most constituents may be only aware of the congresswoman’s record in recent years with DART and Transportation, but my favorites on her record covers an entirely difference spectra  of overlooked services.  Let me start here.  The people that sent her to congress 30+ years ago were school  teachers, doctors, working men and women.

Being the first registered nurse in congress, Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced bills on child care, Head Start, the Parkland System and Baylor Research.  Education and health care followed.  The Future of STEM and then the mighty ultimate Science, Space, Technology Bills and Chairmanship.  One year  the congresswoman arranged  a telephone visit with the astronauts at the space station with the students at Yvonne Ewell School. I am especially fond of the annual conferences “World of Women for World Peace”.  One year the Congresswoman invited a Palestinian Peacemaker, who grew up in the Gaza Strip.  So many are thankful  for the controversial National Suicide Hotline and the HEAL for Immigrant Women Families Act.  I invite you to go online and look at her record.  It is chronicled by year.

If I had to use two words  to label the congresswoman, it would be “she listens”.

There is a Dorie Miller VFW  Post 1406 in Dallas.  There are veterans from all branches of the military at this Post. The Post is very active and popular  in the community with scholarships to youth and other monthly activities.  The congresswoman worked tirelessly, I am told in getting the U.S. Navy to recognize Petty Officer Dorie Miller with the Medal of Honor.  And  as you know, that is not the end.  A Navy Carrier has been given his name it just has not been built yet.

Thank you EBJ for your exemplary service.