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Vice President Harris among scheduled speakers at memorial for Dianne Feinstein in San Francisco

by Joshua Brown
4 comments
Memorial Tribute

Vice President Kamala Harris and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are scheduled to deliver speeches at the memorial service honoring the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, which will take place on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. Senator Feinstein, who served as the city’s first female mayor, is being remembered for her significant contributions to the political landscape.

This memorial service marks the conclusion of a two-day series of events in the city where Senator Feinstein’s political journey began. Mourners gathered at City Hall on the preceding day to pay their respects, describing her as a fearless and intelligent leader who played a crucial role in uniting the city following tragic political assassinations.

Many of those in attendance, both ordinary San Franciscans and political figures, offered flowers and prayers as they stood before Senator Feinstein’s casket, draped in the American flag and displayed behind velvet ropes. Their tributes highlighted her unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and the rights of racial minorities.

Prominent figures like former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and San Francisco Mayor London Breed also paid their respects to the late Senator. Senator Feinstein, who passed away at the age of 90 in her Washington, D.C. home due to natural causes, will be remembered through recorded remarks from President Joe Biden, alongside speeches by Pelosi and Senator Feinstein’s granddaughter, Eileen Mariano.

The service is expected to include the presence of Governor Gavin Newsom, a former mayor of San Francisco, and former California Governor Jerry Brown. A livestream of the event will be available, although attendance in person will be limited.

Senator Feinstein’s legacy includes being one of California’s first two female U.S. senators, a role she initially assumed alongside Barbara Boxer in 1992, a year hailed as the “Year of the Woman.” Her political career was significantly intertwined with the city of San Francisco, where she became acting mayor following the tragic assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978. Feinstein was subsequently elected twice to serve as mayor until 1988.

While Senator Feinstein, a centrist Democrat, faced criticism from the political left for her stances on issues such as the death penalty and collaboration with Republicans in her later years, she was appreciated by a city known for its diversity. She led San Francisco through the HIV and AIDS crisis, secured funding to preserve the city’s iconic cable cars, and played a pivotal role in hosting the Democratic National Convention in 1984.

Additionally, she initiated the tradition of “Fleet Week” in 1981, a celebration of air shows and military displays that is now dedicated to her memory this year. Despite her tenure in Washington, Senator Feinstein remained deeply involved in San Francisco’s affairs, often reaching out to her successors to address local concerns and offer guidance.

Many mourners expressed their pride in Senator Feinstein’s accomplishments and the doors she opened for future generations. As one mourner, Dorothy Hudson, stated, “She was very kind, very smart. She opened doors up to let people know, ‘You can do it.'”

Cari Donovan, a social worker and San Francisco native, placed a bouquet of flowers at Senator Feinstein’s casket, expressing her deep gratitude for the senator’s advocacy on behalf of various groups and her role as an inspiration for women to aim higher.

Senator Feinstein’s legacy is one of dedication and a commitment to progress, as she championed the rights of numerous individuals and left an indelible mark on the city she loved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Memorial Tribute

What was the purpose of the memorial service for Dianne Feinstein?

The memorial service was held to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dianne Feinstein, a prominent political figure known for her leadership in San Francisco and her contributions to gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and diversity.

Who were the notable speakers at the memorial service?

Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and others delivered speeches to pay tribute to Senator Feinstein. A recorded message from President Joe Biden was also part of the service.

What were some of Senator Feinstein’s significant contributions?

Senator Feinstein was known for her leadership during the HIV and AIDS crisis, preserving San Francisco’s cable cars, and hosting the Democratic National Convention in 1984. She also initiated “Fleet Week” and championed various causes, including gender equality and minority rights.

How did Senator Feinstein become involved in politics?

Senator Feinstein became acting mayor of San Francisco in 1978 following the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. She was later elected to serve as mayor and went on to become one of California’s first two female U.S. senators in 1992.

Why did Senator Feinstein face criticism?

Senator Feinstein, a centrist Democrat, faced criticism from some on the left for her support of the death penalty and collaboration with Republicans later in her career. However, she remained respected for her commitment to the city’s diversity and her advocacy for various communities.

How can people watch or attend the memorial service?

While the memorial service was closed to the public, a livestream of the event was planned for those who wished to participate remotely.

More about Memorial Tribute

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4 comments

Reader123 October 5, 2023 - 8:44 am

wow, Senator Feinstein seemd like a powrful lady who did big things for SF. Thats cool!

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CityLover55 October 5, 2023 - 9:15 am

RIP Dianne Feinstein, SF will miss you. such a strong woman for our city!

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InfoGeek2023 October 5, 2023 - 4:51 pm

Need more polticians like her. Did a lot even tho some ppl didn’t like everythin she did. #Respect

Reply
HistoryBuff87 October 5, 2023 - 9:29 pm

this memorial sounds like a big deal, lots of important ppl speaking. Rlly nice way to honor her.

Reply

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