[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 107 (Friday, June 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HARRY S TRUMAN 
                    PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2007

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 50th 
Anniversary of the Harry S Truman Presidential Museum and Library. 
Fifty years ago, on July 6, 1957, former President Harry S Truman, the 
``Man from Independence, Missouri,'' proudly dedicated his library. The 
33rd President of the United States was not a wealthy man, but through 
his efforts and determination, he helped raise over a million dollars 
to build a place to store and exhibit his presidential papers, letters, 
artifacts, photos, interviews, historical records, and scholarly 
collections.
  After leaving office, people could still visit with President Truman 
at the library where he greeted library patrons and easily conversed 
with visitors. Often, he would arrive earlier than the staff and was 
even known to pick up the phones and supply directions to the library. 
He was a beloved figure who was always seen walking with a cane in his 
hand and a smile on his face. It is no surprise that C-SPAN recently 
did a survey and Harry S Truman ranked fifth on the list of most 
popular Presidents.
  When you enter the library, you are met with an amazing mural painted 
and designed by the famed Missouri artist, Thomas Hart Benton. The 
mural captures the history of our area with images of American Indians, 
settlers, scouts, and the common man forging and founding Independence 
and the Opening of the West. At one point, Benton wanted to include 
President Truman in the mural but Truman would have none of this. He 
stayed true to his character, only offering his distinct brand of 
criticism to the working artist rather than his likeness. That is until 
Benton challenged Truman to climb the scaffolding and paint alongside 
him. Truman responded heartily by picking up a paintbrush.
  The Harry S Truman Library was the first Presidential Library to be 
created under the provisions of the 1955 Presidential Libraries Act. It 
was established to preserve administrative correspondence and 
historical materials relating to former Presidents. Truman's vision was 
to raise funds for the building and then transfer the land, the 
building and all its contents to the government. Due in large part to 
Truman's efforts, the public now has access to numerous Presidential 
documents that give insight into the personal lives and roles of our 
country's past and present leaders. Many Presidents have followed suit, 
and the Truman Presidential Library is one of twelve presidential 
libraries in our Nation operated by the Federal Government.
  Mr. Truman, or ``Mr. Citizen'' as many came to call him, cared deeply 
for the American public. As a former farmer, soldier, and businessman, 
he drew on these experiences to become a well respected United States 
Senator and President. If you visit the library in person or delve into 
Truman's life on the library's website, you come to learn fascinating 
things about his life.
  You discover that he was a modest man who endured great 
disappointments and recovered from each with greater vigor and success. 
In his lifetime, Truman was denied entry into West Point because of his 
poor vision, yet he demonstrated unforeseen courage and leadership on 
the battlefield during World War I. He had the daunting task of 
becoming President after Franklin D. Roosevelt's unexpected death 
during World War II, yet he rose to the difficult challenges and saw 
the Marshall Plan put in effect and the allies of NATO join forces. 
Many of his Fair Deal initiatives, while positive and groundbreaking, 
stalled, but his Civil Rights victories forced our Armed Forces and 
Federal Government to halt and make illegal any further discriminatory 
practices.
  As a proponent for self education, President Truman's vision for the 
library was to make these materials available to the people in a place 
suitable for exhibit and research where anyone could come and learn 
about the government and the presidency. His reason was that, ``the 
papers of the Presidents are among the most valuable sources of 
material. They ought to be preserved and they ought to be used.'' His 
common sense attitude and foresight are gifts that have proven to be 
invaluable.
  It is with great appreciation and high regard that I congratulate and 
thank the Truman Presidential Museum and Library for an amazing 50 
years. Under the Truman Library Institute Board and the leadership of 
Directors Philip C. Brooks, Benedict Zobrist, Larry Hackman and now 
Michael Devine, the Truman Presidential Museum and Library has hosted 
Presidents, heads of state, and many dignitaries. All visitors are 
assisted by a professional staff that provides expertise and a wealth 
of experiences for amateur historians, young people, and industrious 
scholars seeking information about President Harry S Truman, his life 
and times. They amazingly seem to know where to retrieve documents and 
photographs; they meticulously recreate rich and detailed displays, and 
are the stewards of priceless artifacts and information.
  Madam Speaker, please join with me as we commemorate the 50th 
Anniversary of the Harry S Truman Presidential Museum and Library that 
has fulfilled the 33rd President's wish to make available America's 
history to America's people.

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