Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) is delivering an important message about voting this month. And the location where he delivered his impassioned plea can’t be understated. On the 55th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” in Selma, Alabama Lewis made a surprise appearance. CNN writes:

Lewis, who had his skull broken by white police officers during the 1965 march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in December. At the time, Lewis said he would undergo treatment for the cancer, and speculation swirled about whether the longtime congressman would be able to participate in the 55th anniversary march.

Here’s part of his speech:

“55 years ago, a few of our children attempted to march … across this bridge. We were beaten, we were tear-gassed. I thought I was going to die on this bridge. But somehow and someway, God almighty helped me here.” We cannot give up now, we cannot give up. We must keep the faith, keep our eyes on the prize. We must go out and vote like we never, ever voted before.”

“I’m not going to give up. I’m not going to give in. We’re going to continue to fight. We need your prayers now more than ever before.”

“We must use the vote as a nonviolent instrument or tool to redeem the soul of America.”