[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 135 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1871-E1872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SALUTING EFFORTS TO HONOR FRANCIS SCOTT KEY

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                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 1998

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my colleagues 
today the fine work being done by one of my constituents to honor an 
often overlooked American patriot. Everyone knows his work but few know 
him. No matter where we hear it played, at the beginning of sporting 
events or during times of national mourning, the Star-Spangled Banner 
is an important part of our nation's life. The patriot that penned the 
words to our National Anthem, however, remains largely unknown.
  Virginia L. Doris of Warwick, Rhode Island knows that patriot is 
Francis Scott Key. She has devoted a great deal of her time over the 
last several decades to right what she views as a mistake of history 
and make sure that more of her fellow Americans learn about Key. Along 
with an extensive amount of research into Key and his life, Ms. Doris 
has spent a great deal of time working to establish a national day of 
recognition of Francis Scott Key. In that regard, just this year she 
was successful in convincing the members of the Rhode Island General 
Assembly to designate August 1 of each year as Francis Scott Key Day in 
Rhode Island. Several years ago, she was successful in having the 
period between August 1978 and August 1979 as Francis Scott Key year in 
Rhode Island.
  As part of her effort to bring public attention to Francis Scott Key 
and his role in the history of our nation, Ms. Doris commissioned--at 
great personal expense--a portrait of Key which was painted by Mario 
Ahumada, a gifted artist at the Rhode Island School of Design. Ms. 
Doris feels great connection to her work and she speaks very highly of 
Mr. Ahumada's dedication to the project and the final work.
  Over the last several weeks, we have spent a great deal of time, both 
as members of the House of Representatives and as citizens, discussing 
the intent of our Founding Fathers as they drafted our Constitution. It 
may serve us well to listen just a bit more carefully to Francis Scott 
Key's words as he describes some of the events that paved the way to 
the establishment of our nation. I am sure my colleagues will join me 
in my admiration for Ms.

[[Page E1872]]

Doris' unwavering dedication to honoring the author of our national 
anthem.

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