[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23435]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE PONCE DE LEON DISCOVERY OF FLORIDA QUINCENTENNIAL 
                             COMMISSION ACT

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                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation to 
establish a commission to plan the quincentenary commemoration of the 
discovery and colonization of Florida.
  In 2013, our Nation will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Juan 
Ponce de Leon's landing on the east coast of Florida. As important an 
event as this is to America's history and heritage, I believe it is 
appropriate we commemorate this occasion. Such an event will serve to 
inform, educate, and remind the people of Florida, this Nation, and 
even the world of the importance and significance of Ponce de Leon's 
discovery and exploration.
  Accordingly, the bill I introduce today establishes a commission 
composed of twelve members to plan, coordinate, and conduct the 
commemoration of the historic discovery of Florida.
  Mr. Speaker, Florida's proud history begins with an explorer sailing 
through the Bahamas in 1513. As if touched by the hand of God, three 
ships commanded by Ponce de Leon were swept westward by winds and 
currents through the New Providence Channel and into the Florida 
Current. Historians believe Ponce de Leon landed at what is the present 
location of the city of St. Augustine.
  Ponce de Leon's landing is significant to national and world history 
because it began what would become the establishment of the oldest 
permanent European settlement on the North American continent. St. 
Augustine was founded 42 years before the English colony at Jamestown, 
Virginia, and 55 years before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in 
Massachusetts.
  As a child, I remember learning of Ponce de Leon's fascinating voyage 
and Florida explorations. To this day, this remarkable moment in 
history inspires children across our great Nation. Our young people 
continue to learn of Ponce de Leon's epic voyages and his quest for the 
ever-elusive Fountain of Youth.
  Spanish heritage is still reflected in local architecture and 
historic resources and attractions in the center of the old part of the 
city. For instance, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, 
constructed between 1672 and 1695, represents the oldest remaining 
European fortification in the continental United States. It is 
prominently located on the Matanzas River directly across the road from 
the Spanish Quarter of St. Augustine.
  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the consideration given to this legislation 
and this important part of the United States history. All Americans 
should enjoy the celebration of this historical moment.

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