[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1798-E1799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE WORLD PEACE BELL AND THE CITY OF NEWPORT, KENTUCKY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. KEN LUCAS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mr. LUCAS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the city of Newport, Kentucky, where the World Peace Bell arrived at 
its permanent home this weekend. At 12 feet in diameter and 12 feet in 
height, the bell weighs 66,000 pounds. It is the world's largest 
swinging bell. I also rise to recognize Wayne Carlisle for his vision, 
commitment, and enthusiasm, without which the World Peace Bell would 
not have been possible.
  The World Peace Bell is a powerful symbol of freedom and peace. It 
was cast in Nantes, France, on December 11, 1998, the 50th Anniversary 
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Bell has an 
inscription commemorating that document, as well as engravings marking 
the most important events of the past 1,000 years.
  The World Peace Bell was first rung in Nantes on March 20, 1999, in a 
public ceremony, and it began a month-and-a-half-long sea voyage from 
France to New Orleans, where the Bell was made part of that city's July 
Fourth celebration. The Bell was transported by barge up the 
Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, making stops in 14 cities along the way. 
The Bell arrived at its final destination on August 1st.
  The World Peace Bell will officially open on September 21, 1999, the 
International Day of Peace, when it will toll to observe the opening 
session of this year's United Nations General Assembly. On New Year's 
Eve 1999, the Bell will be rung once every hour and broadcast so that 
people in every time zone around the globe will hear the new millennium 
rung in by our World Peace Bell. This celebration will include leaders 
of church and state from around the world, as well as participants 
performing native rituals and wearing traditional costumes.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate the city of Newport and neighboring river cities on their 
successful revitalization efforts. The World Peace Bell is only one of 
a number of projects coming to fruition in the region. The success of 
these efforts is a testament to the spirit and hard work of the people 
of Northern Kentucky.

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