[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 121 (Thursday, September 30, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S10075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S10075]]
                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 139--DIRECTING THE ARCHITECT OF THE 
CAPITOL TO ESTABLISH A TEMPORARY EXHIBIT IN THE ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITOL 
 TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES WHO 
HAVE LOST THIR LIVES IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM AND OPERATION ENDURING 
                                FREEDOM

  Mr. LAUTENBERG submitted the following concurrent resolution; which 
was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration:

                            S. Con. Res. 139

       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring),

     SECTION 1. EXHIBIT IN ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITOL IN HONOR OF 
                   MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES KILLED IN IRAQ AND 
                   AFGHANISTAN.

       (a) Establishment of Temporary Exhibit.--During the period 
     beginning on October 1, 2004, and ending on November 30, 
     2004, the Architect of the Capitol shall display in the 
     rotunda of the Capitol an exhibit to honor the memory of 
     members of the United States Armed Forces who have lost their 
     lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring 
     Freedom.
       (b) Form of Exhibit.--The exhibit displayed under this 
     section shall be in such form and contain such material as 
     the Architect may select, so long as--
       (1) the exhibit displays the name, photograph, and 
     biographical information with respect to each individual 
     member of the United States Armed Forces who has lost his or 
     her life in the Operations referred to in subsection (a); and
       (2) the exhibit provides an opportunity for visitors to 
     write messages of support and sympathy to the families of the 
     individuals represented in the exhibit and to have those 
     messages transmitted to the families.

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a concurrent 
resolution that allows for a temporary display in the Capitol Rotunda 
memorializing the soldiers lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. I can think of 
no greater tribute to the families of those who died for our country 
than to honor their memories right here in the Capitol Building.
  This temporary memorial would provide pictures and biographical 
information for each serviceman and servicewoman who has died in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Also, it would 
include space for people visiting the Capitol to write notes and 
tributes to be shared with the families so they know that their loved 
ones will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
  To date, the United States has lost 1,409 soldiers in Iraq, and 138 
in Afghanistan. There are currently 150,500 active duty and reserve 
forces in Iraq and Afghanistan combined--135,000 in Iraq and 15,500 in 
Afghanistan--including 3,709 from New Jersey.
  The Capitol Rotunda is the symbolic heart of the United States 
Capitol and our Nation's democracy, and it is visited by thousands of 
people each day. The Rotunda has long been considered an ideal setting 
for important ceremonial events, including state funerals for 
presidents from Abraham Lincoln to Lyndon Johnson, distinguished 
Members of Congress, military heroes, and eminent citizens. The Rotunda 
is filled with portraits and sculptures reminding Americans of past 
battles and more modern achievements. Eight framed niches hold large 
historical paintings--four revolutionary period scenes and four scenes 
of early exploration.
  There is precedence for a memorial to fallen heroes in the Capitol 
Rotunda. Beginning in 1921, the Capitol Rotunda was used to honor the 
Unknown Soldier who lost his life serving in World War I. Memorials to 
the Unknown Soldier from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam 
War followed. In addition, in 1989, an official POW/MIA flag was 
installed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, where it remains today, as a 
result of legislation passed overwhelmingly during the 100th Congress.
  This memorial builds upon congressional action of the past and 
presents an opportunity for the United States Congress to thank our 
fallen soldiers and their families. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
this endeavor.

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