Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor on Wednesday asked the nation to wish her “divine guidance” as she begins service on the nation’s highest judicial panel, during a ceremony at the White House to celebrate her successful confirmation.
“I ask not just my family and friends, but I ask all Americans to wish me divine guidance and wisdom in administering my new office,” Justice Sotomayor said to a boisterous gathering of more than 200 people in the East Room.
The crowd, which included first lady Michelle Obama and Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and John Paul Stevens, cheered loudly as the new justice entered the room with President Obama. Some of the most enthusiastic supporters were Latino and civil rights activists from groups such as the National Council of La Raza and the NAACP.
Mr. Obama said Justice Sotomayor’s confirmation by the Senate last week, by a vote of 68 to 31, was “an extraordinary moment for our nation.”
“Republicans and Democrats tore down yet one more barrier and affirmed our belief that in America the doors of opportunity must be open to all,” Mr. Obama said. “With that vote, the Senate looked beyond the old divisions, and they embraced excellence.”
Justice Sotomayor is the first Latino member of the U.S. Supreme Court, not counting Justice Benjamin Cardozo, who was elevated to the court in 1932 and whose family claimed Portuguese roots. She is also the third woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
“Words cannot adequately express what I am feeling. No speech can fully capture my joy in this moment,” said Justice Sotomayor in thanking her family, friends and supporters.
“I am most grateful to this country,” she said. “It is this nation’s faith in a more perfect union that allows a Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx to stand here now.”
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