[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 A TRIBUTE TO THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE CO-SIGNERS' CONVENTION: 
                   KEEPING THE AMERICAN SPIRIT ALIVE

                                 ______


                        HON. LUCIEN E. BLACKWELL

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 1994

  Mr. BLACKWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the floor of the U.S. 
House of Representatives to pay tribute to a worthy and just cause, the 
Declaration of Independence Co-Signers' Convention.
  The Declaration of Independence Co-Signers' Convention is designed to 
inspire and increase citizens' understanding, commitment and 
participation in Government. From the period of July 2 through July 4, 
the Second Annual Declaration of Independence Co-Signers' Convention 
will be held to celebrate, commemorate and educate people across the 
Nation about the history of the Declaration of Independence and the 
American Revolution.
  Mr. Speaker, in 1776 we waged war on behalf of the great principle 
that government should derive its just powers from the consent of the 
governed. In other words, we do not need a lot of bureaucrats looking 
over our shoulders and telling us how to run our lives. We are a people 
who declared our independence 200 years ago, and we are not about to 
lose it. Let independence be our boast, ever mindful of what it cost. 
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men and 
women, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
  Mr. Speaker, as an African-American, this event has special 
significance to me. When asked the question, What do African-Americans 
want? The answer is very simple. African-Americans want only what all 
other Americans want. We want the opportunity to make real what the 
Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights 
provide, as established by the Four Freedoms. While we know these 
ideals are open to no individual completely, we want only our equal 
right to enjoy them.
  Today we are in the midst of a social revolution where future 
progress will reflect maturity and justice through the principles 
outlined in the Declaration of Independence. Without recognition and 
continued support for this sacred Declaration, the ``unalienable 
Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of 
Happiness'' might perish. The preservation of these rights is the 
foundation upon which the Declaration of Independence Co-Signers' 
Convention is based.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask my colleagues to rise and join me in 
paying our greatest tributes to the men and women who have organized 
the Declaration of Independence Co-Signers' Convention in hopes of 
keeping the American spirit alive.

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