[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 14, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 14, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUR FREEDOMS MONUMENT

 Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the dedication of the Four Freedoms Monument. This 
monument, located in Madison, FL, was erected not only to honor the 
first hero of World War II, but also to symbolize the rights and 
freedoms our country has fought to reserve for so many years.
  The Four Freedoms Monument was inspired by the four freedoms outlined 
in a speech which Franklin D. Roosevelt made to Congress on January 6, 
1941. It was in this speech that President Roosevelt coined the phrase, 
``Four Freedoms,'' citing the ``four essential human freedoms: the 
freedom of speech and expression; the freedom of every person to 
worship God in his own way; the freedom from want; and the freedom from 
fear.''
  The monument is designed so that each of the four freedoms is 
represented by angels standing atop a square pedestal. The freedom of 
speech and expression is represented by an angel holding a scroll. An 
angel standing with hands clasped represents the freedom of religion 
and worship. The angel holding a bread basket represents freedom from 
want. The freedom from fear is represented by an angel bending a sword.
  Fifty years ago today, the Four Freedoms Monument was dedicated to 
Capt. Colin P. Kelly, Jr., in recognition of being the first hero of 
World War II. On December 9, 1941, Captain Kelly, a native of Madison 
County, FL, and his crew in their B-17 bomber had just completed a 
successful raid on the flagship of the Japanese Third Fleet and was 
returning to Clark Field in the Philippines when they were attacked by 
several Japanese fighter planes. The bomber suffered severe damage, and 
Captain Kelly ordered the crew to bail out. Captain Kelly failed in a 
heroic attempt to land the crippled aircraft and was killed in the 
crash landing. Appropriately, Captain Kelly was named the first hero of 
World War II and the Four Freedoms Monument was dedicated in memory of 
this valor.
  I know my colleagues join me in commemorating the 50th anniversary of 
the Four Freedoms Monument. It is an important symbol which stands for 
the bravery displayed by Captain Kelly, for the values and freedoms we 
as Americans have always fought to protect and for the true spirit of 
our Nation in the world today.

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