[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 169 (Monday, December 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1761-E1762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATUE OF FREEDOM

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 2, 2013

  Ms. NORTON, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the 
Statue of Freedom, which sits atop the dome of the U.S. Capitol, and 
Philip Reid, the African American enslaved laborer who made significant 
contributions in the casting of the bronze figure. Originally named 
Freedom Triumphant in War and Peace, Reid was the only known slave to 
work on the colossal figure that stands at 19\1/2\ feet and weighs 
approximately 15,000 pounds.
  Phillip Reid was born a slave in Charleston, South Carolina around 
1820, and was purchased during his youth by Clark Mills, who quickly 
recognized Reid's skills in ironworks. The first major project Mills 
and Reid worked on was the Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Square in 
1852. The success of the Jackson statue made Mill's foundry the top 
candidate for the Statue of Freedom project. In 1859, the plaster model 
was being showcased outside the Capitol waiting to be disassembled for 
casting at the foundry. However, the Italian sculptor who assembled the 
five main sections of the plaster model in Washington refused to reveal 
how to separate the figure and demanded a pay raise. Facing a dire 
situation, Philip Reid stepped up and figured out that by using a 
pulley and tackle to pull the ring atop the model, the seams of the 
sections would be revealed. His dedication to see the Statue of Freedom 
complete pushed him to work straight through July 1, 1860, to May 16, 
1861. Mr. Reid worked weeks without a break, only receiving pay on 
Sundays, which was given as a rest day for enslaved laborers. On 
Sundays, he received a pay of $1.25 and went on to work for 33 Sundays, 
receiving $41.25.
  Philip Reid finally received his freedom on April 16, 1862, through 
the D.C. Compensated Emancipation Act, which ended slavery in the 
District of Columbia. Reid eventually went on to marry, start a 
business and become a highly respected member of the Free Black Society 
of the District of Columbia.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring Philip Reid for his tireless effort as we celebrate the 150th 
anniversary of the Statue of Freedom on December 2, 2013. As Americans, 
it is crucial that we honor and commemorate this 150th anniversary of 
the Statue of Freedom. The completion of the statue on December 2, 
1863, not only signified an era of newly minted freedom for the 
thousands of former enslaved African Americans, but it now stands as 
powerful symbol for freedom around the world.
  Edward Savoy left the State Department, with a wealth of knowledge 
and the admiration of many in the United States and abroad. On his 
final day of work, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt sent his 
limousine to pick up Edward Augustine Savoy from the diplomatic 
entrance of the State Department to chauffeur him to the White House to 
be thanked for his service and congratulated on his retirement in a 
private meeting with the president. Edward Savoy was so revered that 
less than a year after his death, a U.S. Liberty Ship named for him was 
launched, the SS Edward A Savoy. Liberty Ships were named for deceased 
prominent Americans, among them were 17 named for African-Americans 
when the Army and Navy were still racially segregated.
  Edward Savoy was also revered in his private life. He was a great 
family man, raising four successful children alone after his wife died. 
Edward was an early leader in District of Columbia organizations active 
in seeking justice. Among the many organizations in which he was active 
were The Oldest Inhabitants Association (Colored) of The District of 
Columbia

[[Page E1762]]

and the Prince Hall Freemasons. Edward Augustine is interred in 
Historic Woodlawn Cemetery in Southeast Washington, DC.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in honoring Edward Augustine 
Savoy on the 70th anniversary of his death and for his tireless work as 
a public servant. His life and public service are steeped in America's 
History and deserve to be remembered.

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