[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H6082-H6083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITOL TO COMMEMORATE 60TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTEGRATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules
and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 377) authorizing
the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony commemorating the
60th Anniversary of the beginning of the integration of the United
States Armed Forces, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:
H. Con. Res. 377
Whereas African American men and women have served with
distinction, courage, and honor in the United States Armed
Forces throughout the history of the nation, even when they
were denied the basic constitutional freedoms promised to all
citizens;
Whereas the practice of racial segregation and
discrimination in the military prevented African Americans
from receiving the full recognition to which they were
entitled as a result of their service;
Whereas African Americans, in leading the effort to protest
discriminatory treatment in the armed forces, paved the way
for successful integration of women, Asians, Hispanics, and
other ethnic minorities;
Whereas the dedicated and heroic service of African
American men and women during World War II led to President
Truman's historic executive order 60 years ago that marked
the beginning of racial integration in the United States
Armed Forces;
[[Page H6083]]
Whereas as a result of President Truman's action, the
United States Armed Forces has become one of the nation's
best examples of an institution committed to equality,
opportunity, and advancement based on merit rather than race,
religion, or ethnicity; and
Whereas the heroic contributions of each member of the
United States Armed Forces should be honored and celebrated:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring),
SECTION 1. USE OF ROTUNDA FOR CEREMONY COMMEMORATING 60TH
ANNIVERSARY OF INTEGRATION OF THE ARMED FORCES.
(a) Use of Rotunda.--The rotunda of the Capitol is
authorized to be used on July 23, 2008, for a ceremony
commemorating the 60th anniversary of President Truman's
Executive Order No. 9981, which states, ``It is hereby
declared to be the policy of the President that there shall
be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in
the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or
national origin.''.
(b) Preparations.--Physical preparations for the ceremony
referred to in subsection (a) shall be carried out in
accordance with such conditions as the Architect of the
Capitol may prescribe.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
California (Mrs. Davis) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel
E. Lungren) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
General Leave
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 377.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, this concurrent resolution provides for the use of the
Capitol rotunda to mark the 60th anniversary of the integration of the
United States Armed Forces. I support the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, 60 years ago, President Harry Truman issued Executive
Order 9981, which established the President's Committee on Equality of
Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Forces. Determined to end
segregation in the Armed Forces, President Truman issued this historic
directive to end discrimination experienced by African American
soldiers.
Executive Order 9981 was successful in ending racial segregation in
the military and its effect is long-standing. As a result of the
directive, segregation based on creed, gender, and national origin was
also abolished. It is important we recognize such an historic victory
for civil rights and for our Armed Forces.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such
time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, while we wait to find out what we are going to do
tomorrow and whether there will be a real energy bill presented to this
floor, or some more energy fluff, I do rise today in support of H. Con.
Res. 377 which would authorize use of the rotunda of the Capitol to
commemorate the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the integration of
the United States Armed Forces.
On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981,
which provided for the equal treatment of blacks serving in the
military. We should remember that previous attempts had been made to
integrate the Armed Forces. In fact, during our Revolutionary War,
approximately 5,000 African Americans served in integrated units. They
served in many different capacities, including as artillerymen
infantrymen, laborers, and even entertainers. Each served our Nation
proudly, protecting the freedoms that they themselves had not yet come
to know.
With a new century, though, came political realities that would once
again segregated the military. Nearly 50 years passed until once again
blacks and whites were able to stand shoulder to shoulder, as a unit
defined not by color, but by a commitment to freedom and love of
country. President Truman's executive order to integrate the military
also laid the groundwork for other minorities to gain those same
rights, paving the way for the diverse group of men and women of all
backgrounds who today serve in our military.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 377, so we
may mark the historic occasion of the integration of our Nation's Armed
Forces with a ceremony here in our Nation's capital at the Capitol
rotunda in a manner that would truly honor the sacrifice that men and
women of all backgrounds have made to our Nation throughout history.
As I understand the gentlelady has no further speakers, I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers,
and I just urge that Members support H. Con. Res. 377 which provides
for use of the Capitol rotunda marking the 60th anniversary of the
integration of the United States Armed Forces.
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res.
377 to authorize the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony
commemorating the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the integration
of the United States Armed Forces. The historic document that began the
process of integration was Executive Order 9981 issued by President
Harry S. Truman, my fellow Missourian.
History has well documented that President Truman was a man of great
principle and courage. He was by all accounts a man that did not shrink
from responsibility even when the decisions were very difficult. The
employment of atomic weapons at the end of World War II, the Berlin
airlift at the beginning of the cold war, and the Korean war are but
few examples of his leadership during crisis.
However, I believe it is his decision to declare that each person in
the military is deserving of equal treatment and opportunity,
regardless of race, color, religion, and national origin that most
reflects his personal commitment to his core beliefs.
His July 26, 1948 Executive order was no weak-kneed statement
designed to fit the political expediency of the era. Executive Order
9981 was a bold statement that reflected his heartfelt commitment to
the civil rights of all Americans and the American style of freedom
that became a beacon of hope for so many people throughout the world
during World War II. This powerful statement of equality in treatment
and opportunity reflects the highest standards of democracy and lived
up to the American spirit that we all cherish.
President Truman saw much in the professional and heroic performance
of African Americans during World War II that demanded he issue his
Executive order. The exploits of African Americans that carried out the
Red Ball Express, flew with the 99th fighter squadron, and served as
Tuskegee Airmen are legendary. There were also stories of the many
individual heroes during World War II like the seven African Americans
who were finally awarded the Medal of Honor for their long-overlooked
World War II heroism in 1997. Like all the other wars that preceded
World War II, African Americans had played an important role during war
and Harry Truman was determined to set the record straight.
The 60th anniversary of President Truman's Executive order to begin
the integration of the Armed Forces is a pivotal event in United States
history that is deserving of a ceremony in the rotunda of the Capitol.
I thank Chairman Brady and the staff of the House Administration
Committee for helping to move this resolution so expeditiously and I
strongly encourage my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 377.
Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 377, as
amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as amended, was
agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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