[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 18701]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      GRAND OPENING OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I want to comment very briefly on something 
I mentioned in the last week, and that is the grand opening of the 
National Museum of the American Indian. The grand opening officially is 
occurring today, actually in a couple of hours. This marks a milestone 
in American and American Indian history.
  Established by an act of Congress in 1989, the museum, which we can 
all see from the front of the Capitol, is a tribute to the 
extraordinary achievements and the contributions made by American 
Indian culture. I had the opportunity 2 nights ago to tour that museum. 
It is truly remarkable, unique, and unlike any other museum in the 
Smithsonian group in that the stories are told by participants of the 
culture.
  There are great collections, as so many of the institutions have. It 
is a cultural experience that comes alive as one goes through this 
museum, starting on the fourth floor, and continuing to the third, 
second, and first floor. It is truly remarkable.
  It is right here on the National Mall, as everyone in this body 
knows. It is a prominent symbol of the progress we have made in 
recognizing and, in many ways, reconciling our shared history.
  The celebration began informally yesterday but will continue over the 
course of the week. There are going to be about 600,000 people 
participating in the celebration from around the world.
  As one looks out from the front of the Capitol steps, they see the 
platforms for singers, dancers, and storytellers, representing nearly 
40 American Indian communities, performing over the course of the week.
  The museum is fascinating, and I wanted to bring that to everybody's 
attention. Again, I know the Democratic leader and myself will be 
participating in the opening of those ceremonies today.

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