[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 169 (Friday, December 7, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S12678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S12678]]
                        PRESIDENT HARRY S TRUMAN

  Mrs. CARNAHAN. Mr. President, as you know, the Senate seat I 
currently hold was previously occupied by a distinguished man from 
Independence, MO, President Harry S Truman. So it is with great 
enthusiasm and pride that I take this opportunity to recognize the 
Grand Rededication of the Harry S Truman Presidential Museum and 
Library on December 9, 2001.
  This weekend, the Truman Museum and Library will open a remarkable 
new permanent exhibit, ``Harry S Truman: The Presidential Years.'' This 
compelling installation provides current and future generations with an 
interactive experience that allows them to fully immerse themselves in 
the Truman Presidency. Visitors will feel the pressure on Truman and 
his administration during the formative post-World War II years as 
President Truman and his advisors debated crucial decisions, such as 
use of the atomic bomb and recognition of the state of Israel. Those 
decisions continue to shape the world we now live in. This exhibit 
comes after the addition of the new White House Decision Center, which 
opened in October. The White House Decision Center is a replica of the 
West Wing and provides students with the opportunity to take on the 
role of President Truman or of his advisors during the Truman 
Presidency.
  Since its opening in 1957, the Truman Museum and Library has remained 
true to the wishes of President Truman, who felt his papers should be 
the property of the people and accessible to them. With this directive 
in mind, the Truman Museum and Library house and preserve White House 
files as well as papers that document President Truman's life and 
career. These new projects are just the latest innovative exhibits, 
seminars, and public programs that have engaged and educated the public 
for over 40 years.
  I commend all who have made this renovation and grand rededication 
possible, particularly the staff at the Truman Museum and Library. 
Their remarkable work and dedication to public service exemplify the 
integrity that Harry S Truman brought to the office of the Presidency. 
Each day as I represent the people of Missouri in the United States 
Senate, I am humbled by the honor to succeed this great man and 
Missouri's own, Harry S Truman.

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