[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 116 (Wednesday, June 24, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE PALISADES FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 2020

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing the Washington, D.C. 
Palisades Citizens Association and the annual Palisades Fourth of July 
parade. I have walked in this parade ever since I was elected, and I 
deeply regret that the pandemic will keep us from coming together this 
year to celebrate the 54th anniversary of the parade.
  Begun in 1966, the annual Palisades Fourth of July Parade is a time-
honored District of Columbia tradition. Each year, the parade, 
organized by the Palisades Citizens Association, kicks off at 11:00 
a.m. and proceeds along MacArthur Boulevard NW from the firehouse on 
Whitehaven Parkway NW to the Palisades Recreation Center. Last year, I 
was happy to participate alongside the D.C. Girl Scouts. A true local 
celebration, the Palisades parade is complete with artfully crafted 
floats, local leaders, D.C.'s unforgiving summer heat, dancing, music, 
watermelon and hot dogs. It is a one-mile walk showcasing D.C.'s best.
  As we celebrate July 4th this year, in ways that promote social 
distancing, it is with a historic accomplishment in tow--House passage 
of the D.C. statehood bill, H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission 
Act, for the first time in American history.
  Each year, I encourage D.C. residents to march on July 4th to remind 
the country that the war to end taxation without representation is not 
finished. We will not be truly equal with the states until the District 
achieves statehood, which includes equal representation and full self-
government. Last week, we moved close to that goal for the first time 
in 219 years.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me as we 
celebrate, in spirit, the 54th annual Palisades Parade and honor the 
Palisades Citizens Association.

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