[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 60 (Friday, April 13, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H3213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 COMMEMORATING THOMAS JEFFERSON'S BIRTH

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today we commemorate the 
birthday of a monumental figure in our Nation's history, Thomas 
Jefferson.
  Jefferson, who was our third President, was the principal author of 
the U.S. Declaration of Independence, and is known as one of the 
country's founding farmers--Founding Fathers. He was a founding farmer 
also.
  Today marks the 275th anniversary of his birth. He played a 
monumental role in shaping American politics.
  While his legacy is not without complication, Thomas Jefferson 
projected a down-to-Earth attitude and desired to be seen as a common 
man.
  An intellectual, architect, philosopher, musician, and essayist, he 
was anything but common.
  He founded the University of Virginia in 1819. The university has 
kept the Jeffersonian values--discussion, collaboration, and 
enlightenment--relevant today. Its mission is to develop tomorrow's 
leaders and to ensure that they are well prepared to help shape the 
future of the Nation and the world.
  Students in Charlottesville will use Founder's Day to reflect on 
Thomas Jefferson's legacy and also acknowledge the growth that has been 
made in its history.
  Mr. Speaker, on this day, we remember a Founding Father, Thomas 
Jefferson, and all the contributions he made to this great Nation.

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