Helen Thomas, a woman who was never afraid to ask tough questions and held many leaders accountable. While many people may not have agree with what she said at times, the fact is she was a true pioneer breaking down the barriers for women in journalism and for that I personally thank her!

1. Helen Thomas
August 4, 1920 - July
20, 2013

3. American author and news
service reporter, member of the
White House press corps and
opinion columnist.

4. Considered by many to be a
Trailblazing Journalist

6. who

7. "broke barriers that prevented
women from rising in the Washington
press corps."
~ NPR's David Folkenflik

8. Often called "the First Lady of the
Press," she covered 10 presidents
over five decades and became well-
known to the American public for her
hard-hitting questions asked from her
front row seat in the press briefing
room.

9. Thomas established a number of firsts for
women journalists in becoming one of
Washington's best known reporters. She was
the first woman officer in the White House
Correspondents Association in its 50-year
history, becoming its first woman president. In
1975, she broke the 90-year all-male barrier
at the Gridiron Club, an organization of
leading Washington journalists, and became
its first female president in 1993.
~ Reuters

11. Helen Thomas
Notable Quotes

12. If we care about the children,
the grandchildren, the future
generations, we need to make
sure that they do not become the
cannon fodder of the future.

13. We in the press have a special role
since there is no other institution
in our society that can hold the
President accountable. I do
believe that our democracy can
endure and prevail only if the
American people are informed.

14. I don't think a tough
question is
disrespectful.

15. Most Notable historical
quote
"Thank you Mister
President."

16. Prayer of Passage
Oh Goddess
There is great sadness
A cherished one has gone
Emptyness engulfs me
Loss languishes within
Help me bear this grief
Accompany their spirit
Comfort we who grieve
Let us rejoice in their life
May their essence be recorded
In the Great Book of Shadows
Renew our remembrance with joy
~Cindy Sheehan