[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 47 (Friday, April 24, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3592-S3593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 91--RELATIVE TO A POSTAGE STAMP

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

                            S. Con. Res. 91

       Whereas 1999 marks the 200th anniversary of the death of 
     George Washington;
       Whereas George Washington's extraordinary virtue commanded 
     the respect of America's early leaders, who called on him to 
     preside over the framing of the Constitution;
       Whereas George Washington was an indispensable figure in 
     the founding of our Nation, and served as our country's first 
     commander in chief and President with unparalleled 
     distinction;
       Whereas all Americans remain indebted to George Washington 
     for the liberties we enjoy today;
       Whereas the death of George Washington on December 14, 
     1799, marked the first instance of national mourning in this 
     country;
       Whereas George Washington's tremendous accomplishments over 
     the course of a remarkable lifetime are studied and admired 
     in this Nation and around the world; and
       Whereas issuing a postage stamp to honor the life and 
     contributions of George Washington, ``The Father of Our 
     Country'', is proper and fitting: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) a postage stamp should be issued by the United States 
     Postal Service to commemorate the life of George Washington 
     and his contributions to the Nation; and
       (2) the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend 
     to the Postmaster General that such a postage stamp be 
     issued.

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to submit legislation to 
honor one of the greatest men in American history. Many of my esteemed 
colleagues have joined me in a resolution paying tribute to the life of 
George Washington. However, I believe the

[[Page S3593]]

year 1999, the bicentennial of Washington's death, may be further 
consecrated. Therefore, I am introducing a Sense of the Senate 
Resolution calling upon the Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee to issue 
a stamp which celebrates the leadership and courage possessed by 
Washington.
  The life of this great patriot is an extraordinary parable of 
nationalism and a belief in the power of a republican form of 
government. Upon emerging victorious in the Revolutionary War, General 
Washington laid aside the instruments of destruction to craft a young 
nation. Discarding any intimations of personal glory, Washington 
spurned the title of Monarch and instead chose to model the new country 
on the ancient principles of democracy. He was truly a ``First among 
Equals''. Washington was very much aware of the momentous nature of the 
first presidential term for our emerging democracy. He wrote,

       I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of 
     my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.

  We must, as a Nation, recognize the value of responsibility. 
Washington shouldered the responsibility of his two terms in office 
with grace and dignity, ever aware that he would be an example for 
countries around the world for time eternal. Through a heightened 
cognizance of the actions and beliefs of Washington, we can convey the 
true meaning of service to our Nation. I ask my colleagues what better 
way to honor such a man, than to devote a year to honoring his life. In 
this pursuit, it is fitting to request that a George Washington stamp 
be issued in 1999. Let us reflect upon the tradition of character of 
our Nation, inaugurated by our first President. Washington will remain, 
``First in War, first in Peace, and first in the hearts of his 
Countrymen.'' I look forward to the swift passage of this legislation.
  Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, I rise today to join the Senior Senator from 
Virginia, Mr. Warner, in submitting a concurrent resolution expressing 
the sense of the Senate that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee 
examine issuing a stamp to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 
death of our first President, George Washington.
  I hardly need to expound on the legacy George Washington has provided 
our nation--his courageous leadership through the Revolutionary War, 
his vision as our first President, and his personal example as a 
citizen.
  I recently joined Senator Warner and Senator Graham in introducing a 
resolution, S. Con. Res. 83, calling on the country to commemorate the 
200th anniversary of Washington's death with ceremonies and activities 
that explore the life and legacy of George Washington. Given the 
formative influence of this distinguished man on our nation, I also 
believe it is appropriate to ask the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee 
to authorize a stamp in honor of the historic anniversary of President 
Washington's passing. I encourage all of my colleagues to become 
cosponsors of this resolution so that we can send a clear message to 
the Committee and our fellow citizens about the importance we place 
upon President Washington's legacy.

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