[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E938]]
  HONORING WORKS OF CHATTANOOGA BAR ASSOCIATION AND CHATTANOOGA HUMAN 
                           RIGHTS COMMISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I arise today to honor the works of the 
Chattanooga Bar Association and the Chattanooga Human Rights Commission 
in my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee and join them in celebrating 
the CBA's upcoming Law Day Luncheon on May 24, 2004. Law Day, USA is 
set aside each year on May 1st by a joint resolution of Congress and 
Presidential proclamation as an occasion for honoring the place of law 
in our lives. It is not a national holiday, nor is it a ``lawyer's 
day.'' Instead, Law Day is an occasion for all Americans to learn more 
about our law, our legal system, and our rights. It is also a day to 
reflect on our legal heritage, our responsibilities as citizens, and 
the principles of our democratic government. Law Day has been a vital 
part of American life for several generations. Law Day has celebrated 
our great heritage of liberty, justice and equality under law since it 
was first proclaimed in 1958 by President Eisenhower. Law Day gives us 
the opportunity to reflect on how the law protects and guides America's 
quest for equal justice and equal opportunity, just as it permits us to 
express our opinions, select our leaders, worship where we choose, and 
pursue our livelihood. Thanks to the freedoms guaranteed by our 
Constitution, and protected by our laws and courts, we Americans have 
the opportunity--unmatched anywhere in the world--to develop our 
capabilities to the fullest.
  This year, the Chattanooga Bar Association and the Human Rights 
Commission will celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the United 
States Supreme Court's most important cases. Brown v. Board of 
Education, decided on May 17, 1954, changed the civil rights landscape 
in America forever. Brown showed that resolute citizens, served by 
dedicated lawyers, can strike powerful blows against social injustice 
through law and courts.
  On May 24th, the Chattanooga Bar Association will honor the legal 
community of Chattanooga, Tennessee with their annual Law Day Luncheon. 
The featured speaker is Cheryl Brown Henderson. Mrs. Henderson is one 
of the children of the late Reverend Oliver Brown, namesake of the 
landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision of 1954. During the luncheon, the 
Chattanooga Bar Association will honor James R. Mapp with the 2005 
``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 governments; 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 James R. Mapp for his contributions to the 
Chattanooga community.
  The winners of the Law Day Essay Contest, which is open to all 
Hamilton County, private and home school students, grades 9-12, are: 
1st place winning the $2000 college scholarship is Lindsay Frost of 
Girls Preparatory School. The Second place winner is Stephanie Liu of 
Girls Preparatory School. The Law Day poetry contest is open to all 
Third through Fifth graders of the same demographics. Winning 1st place 
is Caroline Holloway of St. Peter's Episcopal School; 2nd place is 
Chris Cooper of St. Peter's Episcopal School. The Law Day art contest 
is open to all Kindergarten through Second graders of the same 
demographics. Winning 1st place is Sloan Lewis of St. Peter's Episcopal 
School; winning 2nd place is Lauren Hood of St. Peter's Episcopal 
School.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the United States House of Representatives to 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; Alan L. Cates, President; Michael K. Alston, President-elect; 
Joseph R. White, Secretary-Treasurer; Honorable Rebecca J. Stern, 
Immediate Past President. Board members include: Marcia J. Eason, 
Steven W. Grant, James M. Haley, IV, Wade A. Hinton, Steven M. Jacoway, 
Jason L. Thomas and John M. Phillips.

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