[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE OPENINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN 
                                 INDIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 2004

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, the National Mall is home 
to memorials in honor of our founding fathers, our nation's veterans 
and leaders who have shaped the course of the United States. The Mall 
is also home to wonderful museums that explore subjects from our 
natural history here on Earth, to travels to the moon and beyond. 
However, even with the diverse exhibits, there was always a piece of 
our history missing from the Mall, and on September 21, 2004, that hole 
was finally filled.
  It is my honor to celebrate the long awaited opening of the National 
Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall. This museum stands 
as a monument not only to the past generations of Native Americans, but 
to the present and the future. I am hopeful that the prominent 
placement of this museum will help to educate our nation on the true 
history of Native Americans, told by their perspective and through 
their eyes. The museum will be home to artifacts and exhibits, but will 
also serve as a classroom with live performances and demonstrations. It 
truly is a magnificent addition to the Mall, and I look forward to 
visiting the museum often.
  As we celebrate this joyous occasion, and visit with the thousands of 
Native Americans who have traveled from across the country to join in 
this event, Members of Congress must not forget that our relationship 
with Native Americans goes far beyond the museum. Preserving the past 
and ensuring the future of Native Americans is celebrated in the 
museum, but it is only through the adequate funding of education, 
healthcare, and other initiatives critical to our Native American 
communities that illustrates our true commitment. I will continue to 
work with several of my colleagues to fight for essential programs to 
give Native Americans the resources they need.
  I am proud to have the opportunity to welcome so many Native 
Americans to Washington, D.C. this week, and to welcome the National 
Museum of the American Indian.

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