[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1705-S1706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 83--RELATIVE TO GEORGE WASHINGTON

  Mr. WARNER (for himself, Mr. Robb, and Mr. Graham) submitted the 
following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
the Judiciary:

                            S. Con. Res. 83

       Whereas December 14, 1999, will be the 200th anniversary of 
     the death of George Washington, the father of our Nation and 
     the protector of our liberties;
       Whereas the standards established by George Washington's 
     steadfast character and devotion to duty continue to inspire 
     all men and women in the service of their country and in the 
     conduct of their private lives;
       Whereas the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, 
     which maintains the Mount Vernon estate and directs research 
     and education programs relating to George Washington's 
     contribution to our national life, has requested all 
     Americans to participate in the observance of this 
     anniversary;
       Whereas bells should be caused to toll at places of worship 
     and institutions of learning for the duration of 1 minute 
     commencing at 12 o'clock noon, central standard time, 
     throughout the Nation, on the 200th anniversary of the death 
     of George Washington;
       Whereas the flag of the United States should be lowered to 
     half staff on the 200th anniversary of the death of George 
     Washington; and
       Whereas the example set by George Washington is of the 
     utmost importance to the future of the Nation, and it is the 
     responsibility of private and government institutions to 
     prepare for the observation of the 200th anniversary of the 
     death of George Washington: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) calls upon the Nation to remember the life of George 
     Washington and his contributions to the Nation; and
       (2) requests and authorizes the President of the United 
     States--
       (A) to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the 
     United States--
       (i) to commemorate the death of George Washington with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
       (ii) to cause and encourage patriotic and civic 
     associations, veterans and labor organizations, schools, 
     universities, and communities of study and worship, together 
     with citizens everywhere, to develop programs and research 
     projects that concentrate upon the life and character of 
     George Washington as it relates to the future of the Nation 
     and to the development and welfare of the lives of free 
     people everywhere; and
       (B) to notify the governments of all Nations with which the 
     United States enjoys relations that our Nation continues to 
     cherish the memory of George Washington with affection and 
     gratitude by furnishing a copy of this resolution to those 
     governments.

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President I rise today to offer legislation to 
commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of our Founding Father, 
George Washington.

[[Page S1706]]

  The legacy of Washington cannot be overestimated. Noble in spirit, 
honorable in deed, George Washington was a just leader, whose firm 
moral character provided an enduring example for the young nation he 
had fought so courageously to win. Over the past two centuries, the 
traditions Washington set forth for his country--patriotism, 
generosity, honesty, and diplomacy--became the paragons for countries 
attempting to inaugurate democracy throughout the world. Perhaps 
President Lincoln, an ardent admirer of Washington, said it best in his 
remarks,

       Washington is the mightiest name of earth . . . To add 
     brightness to the sun or glory to the name of Washington is 
     alike impossible. Let none attempt it. In solemn awe 
     pronounce the name, and in its naked deathless splendor, 
     leave it shining on.

  Despite his role in the founding of our Nation, and the high esteem 
in which all Americans hold our first President, less and less in known 
about this great leader. Educators lament that history textbooks are 
woefully inadequate in documenting the strong and engaging constitution 
of Washington, and the many lesser known aspects of his life. 
Washington was an innovative farmer, a skillful surveyor, a gifted 
debater and orator, as well as a courageous and indeed visionary 
soldier and President. In an era when role models in the United States 
and the world at large, possessing good judgment and character, are in 
decline, let us further examine the life of one so fervent in his 
convictions.
  As the bicentennial of Washington's death approaches, I ask the 
Senate to join me in celebrating the life of our distinguished first 
President, and dedicate this year long commemoration to learning more 
about his fascinating life and career. On December 14th, 1999, let 
flags throughout our great Nation be lowered to commemorate this life 
of this heroic man. Let bells everywhere extoll his steadfastness. Let 
the entire year of 1999 be the year in which we rediscover the legacy 
of the man who is still ``First in War, First in Peace, and First in 
the Heart of his Countrymen.''

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