California’s Robert Garcia was sworn into office with the Constitution plus a rare vintage Superman comic.
According to a tweet from Garcia, the copy of Superman #1 will be joined by a photo of Garcia’s parents, who died of COVID, and his citizenship certificate,
“I’m looking forward to being sworn-in on the U.S. Constitution. Underneath the Constitution will be 3 items that mean a lot to me personally.
A photo of my parents who passed due to covid, my citizenship certificate & a Superman #1 from the @librarycongress.”
In a statement to CNN, Garcia explained the significance,
I came to America at the age of 5 as a Spanish-speaker. As a kid, I would pick up comics at old thrift shops and pharmacies and that’s how I learned to read and write in English.”
Superman is a symbol for Garcia’s values. He said the superhero represents
truth and justice, an immigrant that was different, was raised by good people that welcomed them.
If you look at Superman values, and caucus values, it’s about justice, it’s about honesty, it’s doing the right thing, standing up for people that need support.”
The Library said in a statement,
Members of Congress are able to borrow many of our materials, but due to the value and rarity of the Superman 1 comic, it is among the materials that we do not lend to anyone.
We are pleased, however, to have been able to offer to bring it to Congressman-elect Robert Garcia in a protective Mylar covering, and give it to him to hold underneath a copy of the U.S. Constitution during his ceremonial swearing in.”
After Garcia is ceremonially sworn in, he’ll hand the Mylar-protected comic back to a library employee, who will return it to the facility with a Capitol Police escort.
The Library of Congress added that they usually provide a variety of Bibles and other religious texts for lawmakers to use when being sworn into office.
In the past, special requests have included President Barack Obama’s request to use President Abraham Lincoln’s Bible, but Superman #1 is a first.
I'm looking forward to being sworn-in on the U.S. Constitution. Underneath the Constitution will be 3 items that mean a lot to me personally. A photo of my parents who passed due to covid, my citizenship certificate & a Superman #1 from the @librarycongress. https://t.co/LpODda4Prk
— Robert Garcia (@RobertGarcia) January 5, 2023
(via CNN)
