[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E845-E846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of the 
Chattanooga Bar Association in my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee 
and join them in celebrating their upcoming Law Day luncheon on May 7, 
2003.
  In 1957, American Bar Association President Charles S. Rhyne, a 
Washington, D.C. attorney, envisioned a special day for celebrating our 
legal system and the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. In 1958, President 
Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed a ``Law Day'' to strengthen our great 
heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. In 1961, May 
1st was designated by a joint resolution of Congress as the official 
date for celebrating Law Day.
  On this Law Day 2003, we have the opportunity to re-examine how we, 
as a nation, want our judiciary to function. At a time when 
partisanship and special interests try to shape a judiciary, we have 
the responsibility to reaffirm

[[Page E846]]

our commitment to an independent third branch of government.
  This year on May 7th, the Chattanooga Bar Association will honor the 
legal community of Chattanooga, Tennessee with their annual Law Day 
luncheon. During the luncheon, the Chattanooga Bar Association will 
honor Judith P. Medearis with the 2003 ``Liberty Bell Award.'' This 
award, given to a person who is not in the legal profession, is one of 
the CBA's highest honors. The purpose of the ``Liberty Bell Award'' is 
to recognize community service that has strengthened the American 
system of freedom under law. In selecting the recipient of this award, 
the Chattanooga Bar Association considers activities which (1) promote 
a better understanding of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights; (2) 
encourage a greater respect for the law and the courts; (3) stimulate a 
deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize 
their duties as well as their rights; (4) contribute to the effective 
functioning of our institutions of government; and (5) foster a better 
understanding and appreciation of the rule of law. I ask all Members of 
the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Judith 
Medearis for her contribution to the Chattanooga community.
  Beginning in 1999, the CBA began awarding a college scholarship to 
the winner of the Annual Law Day Essay Contest. This year's theme was 
``Celebrate Your Freedom--Independent Courts Protect Our Liberties''. 
Megan Galbreth, a Junior at Girls Preparatory School is the winner for 
2003. I join the CBA in congratulating Megan for her award-winning 
essay.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the United States House of Representatives join me 
in thanking the Board of Governors of the Chattanooga Bar Association 
for their contributions and commitment to the legal profession and to 
the Chattanooga community. The members of the Board of Governors 
Executive Committee are: Lynda Minks Hood, Executive Director; 
Honorable Rebecca J. Stern, President; Alan L. Cates, President-Elect; 
Michael K. Alston, Secretary-Treasurer; Harold L. North, Jr., Immediate 
Past President. Board members include: William H. Cox, III; James M. 
Haley, IV; Cynthia D. Hall; Steven M. Jacoway; Jason L. Thomas; Joseph 
R. White and Wade Hinton.

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