" Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legendary Celia Cruz, who passed away of cancer on July 16, 2003 at the age of 78. 

I join with the people of my district and other citizens of the global community in mourning the loss of the woman who was rightly called "La Reina de la Salsa." I recall fondly her solo and group performances with many musical greats, but in particular the ones with my late dear friend, Tito Puente. I recall most notably her performances at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. during the Americanos Festival and the Hispanic Heritage Awards.

Ms. Cruz changed the world through her voice, helping not only to establish modern salsa music but also set a bar of excellence for all performers, male and female. She rose from humble roots in Cuba to become a global citizen who's gift of song and dance extended beyond language through more than 70 albums that incorporated everything from mambo, to son, to modern reggae and hip-hop. Ms. Cruz's unique vocal abilities earned her hundreds of awards and honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and three honorary doctorates. Her talent earned her fans all over the world, serving to proudly uplift Latinos worldwide and helping to break down racial and gender barriers in unprecedented ways in music, politics and culture. Her grace and hard work kept her producing Grammy-winning albums until the very end of her life, challenging the perception that life, success and beauty stop at the certain age. 

Our condolences naturally go out to her husband Pedro, who more than anyone does knew the rare and precious jewel that we had among us. However, while she has departed this earthly plane, her legacy will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who cherished her work in present and the generations of those fans yet to be born.