[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 52 (Thursday, April 15, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT OF 1999

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                            HON. RAY LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 1999

  Mr. LaHOOD.  Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the anniversary of former 
President Abraham Lincoln's death to celebrate his life. Today, I am 
introducing the Abraham Lincoln bicentennial Commission Act of 1999. 
This bill will establish a commission, the purpose of which would be to 
make recommendations to Congress for a national program to honor former 
President Abraham Lincoln in the year 2009, the bicentennial 
celebration of his birth.
  Abraham Lincoln has gone down in history as one of our country's 
greatest Presidents. As our sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln served 
the country during a most precarious era. While most of the country 
looked to divide, President Lincoln fought for unity and eventually 
saved the Union. With the belief that all men where created equal, 
President Lincoln led the charge to free all slaves in America. Without 
the determination and vision of President Lincoln, the country, as we 
know it, may not exist today.
  President Lincoln also serves as a national symbol of the ``American 
Dream.'' Born of humble roots in Hardin County, Kentucky on February 
12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln rose to the Presidency though a legacy of 
honesty, integrity, intelligence and commitment to the United States of 
America.
  In 1909, America celebrated the centennial of President Lincoln's 
birth in a manner deserving of his accomplishments. Congress approved 
placing the image of President Lincoln on a first-class stamp for the 
first time, made President Lincoln's birth a national holiday, and 
passed legislation leading to the construction of the Lincoln Memorial 
here in Washington, D.C. Further, President Roosevelt approved placing 
the image of President Lincoln on the penny.
  As in 1909, the Congress should again honor President Lincoln in 
2009, by establishing the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. 
Through this Commission, Congress will be able to demonstrate its 
appreciation for Abraham Lincoln's accomplishments and ultimate 
sacrifice for our country. This Commission will identify and recommend 
to Congress appropriate actions to carry out this mission and, through 
the recommendations of this Commission and subsequent acts of Congress, 
the American people will benefit by learning about the life of 
President Lincoln.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of 
President Lincoln by supporting the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial 
Commission Act of 1999.

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