[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 12, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 NATIONAL APOLLO ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE

  Mrs. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee 
on Post Office and Civil Service be discharged from further 
consideration of this Senate joint resolution (S.J. Res. 187) 
designating July 16 through July 24, 1994, as ``National Apollo 
Anniversary Observance,'' and ask for its consideration.
  The Clerk read the title of the Senate joint resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Abercrombie). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentlewoman from Virginia?
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I rise in 
support of Senate Joint Resolution 187.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 
187 and House Joint Resolution 353, National Apollo Week, to 
commemorate the 25th anniversary of the historic mission to the Moon. 
In designating July 16 through 24, 1994, as national Apollo anniversary 
observance, I would like to pay tribute to the three brave pioneers who 
captured the aspirations and imaginations of an entire nation during 
the summer of 1969. The mission to the Moon realized a dream that had 
been shared for many years prior to its fruition, and I can still 
remember the tremendous sense of pride and honor we all felt when we 
watched Astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins take those first 
breathtaking, historic steps.
  In commemorating the Apollo 11 mission, we honor not only those who 
went to the Moon on that memorable trip, but also all those whose 
dedication, determination, and vision contributed to America's 
revolutionary journey into space. The dreams that began with flight and 
evolved into space travel inspired a nation and gave us all goals to 
which we still aspire. America took the lead in space technology 25 
years ago, and will continue to do so as long as we carry the spirit of 
the Apollo 11 mission. The vigor, enthusiasm, and courage that brought 
our Nation to the Moon will lead our space program well into the 21st 
century.
  Mr. Speaker, although it has been 25 years since the first mission to 
the Moon, the national pride and honor that this event inspired 
continues today.
  Therefore, I urge my colleagues to join with me in commemorating this 
event, not only to pay tribute to those who ventured forth valiantly 
into the unknown, but also to remind all Americans of the pioneering 
spirit that is such a vital component of our national history. May we 
continue to honor innovation and imagination, and may the spirit of 
adventure forever remain a part of American life.
  Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the Senate joint resolution, as follows:

                             S.J. Res. 187

       Whereas President Kennedy in 1961 called upon the United 
     States to face the challenge of those extraordinary times by 
     sending a mission to the Moon;
       Whereas the United States Government, the National 
     Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the American people 
     committed great resources, time, and human labor within one 
     decade to span the 238,700 miles between the Earth and the 
     Moon;
       Whereas the United States rose to the challenge and 
     formulated the Apollo missions culminating in the liftoff on 
     July 16, 1969, of the Apollo 11 Mission to the Moon;
       Whereas 25 years ago astronaut Neil Armstrong, with the 
     help of Colonel Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin, Jr. (USAF) and 
     Lieutenant Colonel Michael Collins (USAF), took that first 
     significant step and became the first human to set foot on 
     the surface of another world;
       Whereas that small step furthered the development of space 
     technology for the lasting benefit of all mankind; and
       Whereas such an event united the world and our many 
     cultures for a brief moment under the flag of peaceful 
     exploration: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That July 16, 
     1994, through July 24, 1994, is designated as ``National 
     Apollo Anniversary Observance'', and the President is 
     authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling on 
     the people of the United States to observe such period with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  The Senate joint resolution was ordered to be read a third time, was 
read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on 
the table.

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