[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 74 (Monday, May 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL SHRINE ON THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Madam Speaker, as we approach the 
bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, I am pleased today to stand in 
recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine 
located in Redlands, California. While leading a divided nation, 
President Lincoln remained committed to the principles of liberty, 
integrity, and personal responsibility. It is these ideals that 
represent the core of what Robert and Alma Watchorn envisioned when 
they created the Lincoln Shrine in 1932.
  It is a great honor that the Watchorns chose to dedicate and present 
the Shrine to Redlands, my hometown and a prominent city in my 
district. Through the contributions of my constituents, the Shrine has 
become a nationally-known education center for our 16th and perhaps 
greatest president. As the only Lincoln-dedicated museum and library 
west of Springfield, Illinois, the Shrine attracts thousands of 
professional and amateur historians with a wide variety of exhibits, 
events, and projects featuring Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War 
period.
  The Watchorns would be pleased to know that the prominence of the 
shrine has not detracted from the educational opportunities provided to 
visitors. As a primary resource for educators in the area, the museum's 
collection of more than 4,000 manuscripts and 300 original newspapers 
is offered free of charge and serves as a valuable resource for those 
seeking a direct glimpse of Lincoln's time. Students are encouraged to 
attend docent-led school tours and can easily access a wealth of 
information to use for school projects or personal enjoyment.
  Highlighting our community's pride in hosting this important site, a 
fundraising drive in the 1990s resulted in donations of more than $1 
million, which helped provide a 2,000-foot expansion of the Shrine. Two 
new wings were carefully designed to complement the original octagon 
shape, paving the way for further Lincoln artifacts. This expansion 
could not have occurred without the dedication of those residing in my 
district.
  A moving tribute to the Shrine's 75th anniversary is planned for 
November of 2007, when the Lincoln Shrine releases a book describing 
and detailing the various artifacts in their collection. An extensive 
set of photos and letters will be included in the book, with 
explanatory comments to guide the reader. This book will serve to 
foster interest in those who have not yet visited the Shrine, and will 
further elaborate upon the knowledge of individuals already familiar 
with the Lincoln Shrine's all-embracing collection.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to represent a community of citizens 
dedicated to progressing the growth of a research center and museum 
such as the Shrine. I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing 
the immense value of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine and in wishing them 
many more years of success.

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