[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 100 (Thursday, July 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     PERMITTING USE OF ROTUNDA OF CAPITOL FOR A CEREMONY TO HONOR 
       CONSTANTINO BRUMIDI ON THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS BIRTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 20, 2005

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. 
Res. 202, which will permit the use of the Rotunda for a ceremony 
honoring Constantino Brumidi on the 200th anniversary of his birth. I 
would like to thank my colleagues, Representative Pascrell, Mica, and 
Bilirakis, for their efforts in getting this bill to the Floor today.
  As a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic 
Issues, I am especially proud of Brumidi's Greek heritage. The son of a 
Greek father and Italian mother, Constantino Brumidi, fled Rome and 
immigrated to the United States on September 18, 1852. From 1868-1879 
as a resident of New York City, Brumidi painted forty-three murals and 
paintings at St. Stephen's Church which is located in my congressional 
district.
  Brumidi is most famous, however, for his artistic achievements in the 
U.S. Capitol. ``The Apotheosis of George Washington,'' on the dome in 
the Rotunda, is one of the highlights of his work here. Although he 
worked flat on his back on wooden scaffolding through the intense 
summer temperatures, Brumidi created a masterpiece. Additionally, his 
artwork can be found in the House of Representatives Chamber, several 
committee rooms, the President's Room, the Senate Reception Room, and 
throughout the corridors of the Capitol.
  I am thrilled that we are recognizing such an outstanding artist and 
an important contributor to the history of our Nation. The Capitol 
Building is truly special because of its beautiful architecture and 
priceless artistic treasures. Without Brumidi's influence, tours of the 
Capitol simply would not be as interesting and exciting for our 
constituents.
  I am pleased to see the Hellenic Caucus join with the co-chairs of 
the Italian American Congressional Delegation in bringing this 
resolution to the Floor, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

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