Tom Harkin is Grand Marshall for Disability Pride Parade

Tom Harkin

Pol Light Moment #121 occurred on July 12, 2015, when Tom Harkin served as the Grand Marshall for the first-ever Disability Pride Parade in New York City. Tom Harkin served as a United States Senator from Iowa from 1985-2015.

The first of several Disability Pride Parades started in Boston, Massachusetts in 1990. Parades have taken place in several major cities across the country, including an active slate in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Trenton, New Jersey, and New York City. Tom Harkin served as t he Grand Marshall for the first-ever parade in New York City. 2015 also marked the 25th Anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law in 1990.

The following is a video of Tom Harkin speaking at the 2015 Disability Pride Parade in New York City.

Autism Speaks featured this video about the 2015 Disability Pride Parade in New York City.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Tom Harkin used in this post is in the Public Domain.

Brian Calley Takes Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Brian Calley

Pol Light #118 happened on March 5, 2015, when Brian Calley took the Legislative Polar Plunge at the State of Michigan Capital. Brian Calley has served as the Lt. Governor of Michigan since 2011. He was elected in 2014 to a second term expiring in 2018.

The Legislative Polar Plunge is one of 29 Polar Plunges in 2015 sponsored by the Law Enforcement Torch Run event that raises funds for the Special Olympics of Michigan. 2015 was the fourth year that Brian Calley participated in this fundraiser. It is a charity near to his heart since his daughter Reagan has autism. In 2015 the Legislative Polar Plunge raised almost $15,000.

The Special Olympics of Michigan reports that, "By participating in a Polar Plunge around the state you are helping to raise funds for over 21,000 athletes who participate in Special Olympics Michigan. Special Olympics Michigan is a year round program offering sports for those with intellectual disabilities. Although sports are the 'vehicle', the ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate and receive respect as members of their communities (First Giving, Legislative Polar Plunge, 2015)."

Here is a video of Brian Calley and Michigan legislators taking the Polar Plunge in 2015.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Brian Calley is in the Public Domain.