[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17153]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE UNVEILING OF THOMAS JEFFERSON STATUTE IN JEFFERSON PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 22, 2005

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with the citizens of 
the Jefferson Park neighborhood of Chicago in celebrating the unveiling 
of the new statue of Thomas Jefferson. The ceremony that will take 
place tomorrow is the I culmination of years of work by many members of 
the community, and I am pleased to offer my gratitude and 
congratulations on this exciting event.
  Jefferson Park, on Chicago's northwest side, is one of the most 
unique and interesting neighborhoods in Chicago and I am proud to 
represent its citizens in the U.S. House of Representatives. The mix of 
cultural and ethnic divergences is unrivaled in our great city. The 
Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce is one of the most active 
organizations in my district, and I applaud their efforts to honor our 
nation's 3rd President with this outstanding statue.
  The bronze statue, the first life-sized statue of President Jefferson 
in the state of Illinois, was created by sculptor, Edward Hlavka. It 
depicts President Jefferson at a writing table signing a copy of the 
Declaration of Independence. Surrounding the statue are 13 pedestals 
representing the original American colonies, along with the inscription 
of one his most famous quotes, ``The will of the people is the only 
legitimate foundation of any government.''
  The statue will adorn the front of the Chicago Transit Authority 
station in Jefferson Park, the major hub for commuters on the northwest 
side, and was made possible through the leadership of the Jefferson 
Park Chamber, Alderman Patrick J. Levar, State Representative Joseph M. 
Lyons, and countless other members of the Jefferson Park neighborhood.
  Mr. Speaker, the City of Chicago and the 5th District of Illinois are 
truly honored to welcome the new Thomas Jefferson statue to Jefferson 
Park, and I thank all of those responsible for making this possible.

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