President Biden Honors Sandra Day O'Connor as "American Pioneer" at Funeral
President Joe Biden delivered a eulogy at the funeral of Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, praising her as an "American pioneer" who prioritized principle over politics. Biden commended O'Connor for breaking down barriers, transcending political divisions, and considering the real impact of the law on people's lives. He highlighted her commitment to civility and principles of the highest order, emphasizing that O'Connor understood the interconnectedness of Americans in deciding the collective destiny of the nation.
O'Connor, a centrist justice appointed by Republican President Ronald Reagan in 1981, served until her retirement in 2006. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in affirming the central holding in Roe v. Wade and upholding campus affirmative action policies.
The funeral service took place at Washington National Cathedral, and tributes were also delivered by Chief Justice John Roberts and O'Connor's son Jay O'Connor. O'Connor passed away on December 1 at the age of 93 due to complications related to advanced dementia and a respiratory illness.
O'Connor's contributions to the legal and political landscape were acknowledged, with Chief Justice Roberts describing her as a "strong, influential, and iconic jurist." The funeral service celebrated O'Connor's trailblazing accomplishments and the lasting impact she had on the legal profession and the nation.
