[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 377 Introduced in House (IH)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 377

   Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony 
commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the beginning of the integration 
                   of the United States Armed Forces.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             June 23, 2008

 Mr. Skelton submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
           referred to the Committee on House Administration

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
   Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony 
commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the beginning of the integration 
                   of the United States Armed Forces.

Whereas African-American men and women have served with distinction, courage, 
        and honor in the United States Armed Forces throughout the history of 
        the nation, even when they were denied the basic constitutional freedoms 
        promised to all citizens;
Whereas the practice of racial segregation and discrimination in the military 
        prevented African-Americans from receiving the full recognition to which 
        they were entitled as a result of their service;
Whereas African-Americans, in leading the effort to protest discriminatory 
        treatment in the armed forces, paved the way for successful integration 
        of women, Asians, Hispanics, and other ethnic minorities;
Whereas the dedicated and heroic service of African-American men and women 
        during World War II led to President Truman's historic Executive Order 
        60 years ago that marked the beginning of racial integration in the 
        United States Armed Forces;
Whereas as a result of President Truman's action, the United States Armed Forces 
        has become one of the nation's best examples of an institution committed 
        to equality, opportunity, and advancement based on merit rather than 
        race, religion, or ethnicity; and
Whereas the heroic contributions of each member of the United States Armed 
        Forces should be honored and celebrated: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),

SECTION 1. USE OF ROTUNDA FOR CEREMONY COMMEMORATING 60TH ANNIVERSARY 
              OF INTEGRATION OF THE ARMED FORCES.

    (a) Use of Rotunda.--The rotunda of the Capitol is authorized to be 
used on July 23, 2008, for a ceremony commemorating the 60th 
anniversary of President Truman's Executive Order 9981, which states, 
``It is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there 
shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the 
armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national 
origin.''
    (b) Preparations.--Physical preparations for the ceremony referred 
to in subsection (a) shall be carried out in accordance with such 
conditions as the Architect of the Capitol may prescribe.
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