[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING GEORGE WASHINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN G. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw my colleague's 
attention to my Concurrent Resolution on the remembrance of the 200th 
anniversary of the death of the father of our nation George Washington. 
The contributions of this former farmer and member of the Virginia 
House of Burgesses have played an integral role in the formation of our 
nation's history and culture.
  Little did Washington know that those fateful shots fired in 
Lexington and Concord would eventually lead him down a path that would 
cause him to forever be synonymous with the ideas of freedom worldwide.
  His reluctant acceptance of the Second Continental Congress' 
appointment to head the American Continental Army resulted in one of 
the world's greatest triumphs against tyranny. The example he displayed 
was used by nations around the world who desired freedom from their 
tyrannic rulers and oppressors. It is also important to note the 
pivotal role General Washington played in the drafting and ratification 
of the United States Constitution, which has also served as a model for 
other nations around the globe.
  However, the most important role he may have played was as the first 
President of the newborn United States of America. His influence on the 
designs and ideals for our government was of great assistance to the 
formation of a system where no one body could achieve an overabundance 
in power. In turn his selflessness would limit his own Presidency. His 
reasoning was sound though, for the elimination of the possibility of 
tyranny in the nation he fought so hard to create.
  Biographer James Thomas Flexnir said, ``From the first moment in 
command, Washington was more than a military leader; he was the eagle, 
the standard, the flag, the living symbol of the cause.''
  The selfless bravery and astute decision making of this man helped to 
formulate our great nation into what it is today. That is why I wish to 
bring this Concurrent Resolution to the attention of my colleagues. I 
can think of no one person more deserving of such an honor.
  I ask my colleagues to join Speaker Gingrich and myself in approving 
this Concurrent Resolution, and to join me in the celebration of this 
outstanding human being.

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