Memorial Service for Former Representative Barney Frank

A memorial service was held at Boston's Faneuil Hall for former Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), who died on April 28 at age 86. Rep. Frank made history in 1987 by becoming the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out as gay while actively serving. Notable friends and colleagues who spoke included Massachusetts Gov. Maura Heal (D), former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D), House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Massachusetts Reps. Richard Neal (D) and Jim McGovern (D), who all shared stories of Barney Frank and spoke on his impact, commitment to justice, and belief that government could be a force for good. Rep. Pelosi (D-CA) closed out her remarks with: "Good night, Mr. Chairman Barney Frank. We know where you are. May you rest in peace." Gov. Healey said of Rep. Frank, "I don't know that we'll ever see anyone quite like him again. Brilliant. Fearless. Hilarious. He could destroy a weak argument or a musing with a single line and leave you laughing."