[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2620-S2621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 432--RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF THE NATIONAL PARK 
 SERVICE AND OTHERS IN RESTORING AND REPAIRING THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT

  Mr. WHITEHOUSE submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources:

                              S. Res. 432

       Whereas the employees of the National Park Service work 
     tirelessly to maintain the beauty of the 401 national parks 
     of the United States, revitalize communities, preserve local 
     history, celebrate local heritage, and create outdoor 
     recreation for children and families;
       Whereas the Washington Monument was built between 1848 and 
     1884 to commemorate George Washington, the commander-in-chief 
     of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War 
     and the first president of the United States;
       Whereas the Washington Monument is a symbol of unity and 
     freedom in the United States and is the distinguishing 
     feature of the skyline in Washington, DC;
       Whereas the Washington Monument is admired by more than 
     25,000,000 individuals who visit the National Mall each year;
       Whereas the Washington Monument was closed for over 2\1/2\ 
     years for necessary repairs after being damaged by an 
     earthquake in 2011;
       Whereas engineers examined each of the 9,040 marble stones 
     on the exterior of the Washington Monument and many of the

[[Page S2621]]

     more than 10,000 granite stones on the interior of the 
     monument to ensure that the repair of the monument was sound 
     and complete;
       Whereas during the rehabilitation, the Washington Monument 
     was covered with scaffolding, markedly altering its 
     appearance;
       Whereas although the Washington Monument was closed during 
     rehabilitation, the 488 lights on the scaffolding of the 
     monument illuminated the night sky of the United States 
     capital and provided visitors and residents with a sight of 
     unexpected beauty; and
       Whereas the repair of the Washington Monument would not 
     have been possible without the vision and dedication of the 
     National Park Service, contractors of the National Park 
     Service, and generous philanthropic support: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) pays tribute to the National Park Service, contractors 
     of the National Park Service, and all individuals who 
     contributed to the restoration of the Washington Monument; 
     and
       (2) calls on the people of the United States to recognize 
     the hard work of the National Park Service in preserving the 
     monuments of the United States.

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