[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 127 (Friday, July 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ESTABLISHING THE ADAMS MEMORIAL COMMISSION

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                               speech of

                           HON. STEVE CHABOT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2018

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1220, which 
would establish the Adams Memorial Commission. As a former teacher and 
a history major from the College of William and Mary, our nation's 
second oldest college, I think we should do more to remember President 
John Adams. He was instrumental in our nation's founding and he is a 
central, if often overlooked, figure in American history.
  John Adams--who served as our first Vice President and second 
President--was a statesman, lawyer, diplomat, political theorist, and 
leader in the campaign for American Independence. As a Member of both 
the First and Second Continental Congress, he became a leader in the 
movement for independence. During the Second Continental Congress, he 
nominated George Washington to lead the Continental Army, and is one of 
the most prominent signers of the Declaration of Independence, serving 
on the committee that helped Thomas Jefferson craft this monumental 
document. During and after the war, he served in numerous diplomatic 
posts in Europe. Along with Benjamin Franklin, he negotiated the Treaty 
of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War and solidified America's new 
independence. He also served in Holland during the war, and as our 
Ambassador to Britain following the war. Throughout his time serving 
the United States, President Adams remained true to his principles, and 
consistently fought for his beliefs.
  Due to these immeasurable contributions, President Adams deserves to 
be more visibly honored among our nation's founders. H.R. 1220 
recognizes his service by establishing a Commission to advance current 
efforts to build a memorial in his honor. I would urge my colleagues to 
support this legislation.

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