III 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 275 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 21, 2009 Mr. Kerry (for himself and Mr. Kirk) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources January 28, 2010 Reported by Mr. Bingaman, without amendment May 7, 2010 Considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Honoring the Minute Man National Historical Park on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

Whereas, since September 21, 1959, Minute Man National Historical Park has preserved key sites where the first battles of the American Revolutionary War occurred, and educated millions of people in the United States about the extraordinary events that led to the birth of the United States and the ideals embodied in the courageous actions that led to such events; Whereas Minute Man National Historical Park encompasses more than 1,000 acres in the historic communities of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord that were at the center of the American Revolution; Whereas the events, places, and people recognized by the Minute Man National Historical Park have become enduring testaments to the values of the people of the United States and are among the most celebrated and cherished symbols in the history of the United States; Whereas the Minute Man National Historical Park includes multiple sites and vistas along the route from Boston to Concord, known as the Battle Road, where American militia and British soldiers fought several times on April 19, 1775; Whereas American militia were first ordered to return British fire at Concord’s North Bridge, a heroic action commemorated by the United States poet Ralph Waldo Emerson in his poem The Concord Hymn as the “shot heard round the world”; Whereas the park celebrates the legendary “midnight ride” of Paul Revere on April 18, 1775, that warned American colonists that British soldiers were marching to Concord to destroy key military stores; and Whereas more than 1,000,000 people from States across the United States and from around the world visit Minute Man National Historical Park each year to learn about the role that the New England communities of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord played in the American Revolution: Now, therefore, be it

that it is the sense of the Senate that— (1)Minute Man National Historical Park serves an essential role in preserving the sites and vistas in New England where the American Revolution began and in educating the public about these historic events; (2)Minute Man National Historical Park honors and commemorates the ideals of democracy, liberty, and freedom that are the foundation of the United States and sources of inspiration for people everywhere; and (3)the creation of Minute Man National Historical Park 50 years ago represents a remarkable achievement that continues to benefit the people of the United States, to preserve the proud legacy of the American Revolution, and to serve as an enduring resource for future generations.