[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             GRANT'S TOMB NATIONAL MEMORIAL ACT INTRODUCED

                                 ______


                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 1994

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Grant's Tomb 
National Memorial Act, which would restore and preserve the tomb of 
Ulysses S. Grant as a National Monument, to honor the great general and 
18th President of the United States, and to educate Americans about 
Grant's life and the remarkable era in which he served the Nation with 
such distinction.
  I joined descendants of Ulysses S. Grant, neighborhood residents and 
visitors at Grant's Tomb, in my district in New York City, to pay 
tribute to this great American on April 27th in commemoration of what 
would have been his 127th birthday. Uylsses S. Grant led the Union Army 
to victory, bringing an end to the Civil War and helping to enforce the 
emancipation of former slaves. As President he was a pioneer in the 
effort to recognize, support, and protect civil rights by sending 
Federal troops to protect the rights of former slaves to vote, to own 
property and to enjoy all the privileges of citizenship. In 1872, Grant 
signed into law the act to establish Yellowstone National Park--the 
first national park in the world. Grant's contributions to our country 
should be taught to future generations and should be honored by 
restoring his tomb to its original splendor.

  The sad condition of Grant's Tomb was brought to my attention by 
Frank Scaturro, a history major at Columbia University, who has devoted 
his scholarship and energy to promoting the monument and advocating for 
its restoration and preservation. The site has been marred by graffiti, 
littering, and public urination. It has become a locale for drug and 
alcohol abuse, and other antisocial behavior unfitting for a place of 
tribute to war hero and former United States President. My bill sets up 
a study commission to review and make recommendations to the Secretary 
of the Interior to restore, maintain, and preserve the Grant's Tomb 
National Memorial, to educate the public about Ulysses S. Grant, his 
life achievements, and his era. It provides for the Federal acquisition 
of the surrounding plaza to facilitate restoration, a visitor center to 
aid in the interpretation and maintain the historical significance of 
the monument, and honor guards to provide security and promote 
respectful demeanor at the monument.
  Private citizens donated money in 1885, upon Grant's death, to build 
the tomb in his honor. These loyal Americans, under the leadership of 
the grant Monument Association, donated the tomb to the Federal 
government because they believed that this would insure its perpetual 
care. It is time for us to accept responsibility for the important gift 
that has been donated to the country. We must support this site with 
the same enthusiasm that we support the Washington Monument, the 
Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian.
  This bill would ensure that future generations will have the 
opportunity to remember and honor Ulysses S. Grant.

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