[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
ARMED FORCES INTEGRATION, 60TH ANNIVERSARY [NOTE: June 27,
2008 -  [H.Con.Res.377]   COMMEMORATION CEREMONY--CAPITOL ROTUNDA
AUTHORIZATION

Whereas African American men and women have served with distinction,
courage, and honor in the United States Armed Forces throughout the
history of the nation, even when they were denied the basic
constitutional freedoms promised to all citizens;

Whereas the practice of racial segregation and discrimination in the
military prevented African Americans from receiving the full
recognition to which they were entitled as a result of their
service;

Whereas African Americans, in leading the effort to protest
discriminatory treatment in the armed forces, paved the way for
successful integration of women, Asians, Hispanics, and other ethnic
minorities;

Whereas the dedicated and heroic service of African American men and
women during World War II led to President Truman's historic
executive order 60 years ago that marked the beginning of racial
integration in the United States Armed Forces;

Whereas as a result of President Truman's action, the United States
Armed Forces has become one of the nation's best examples of an
institution committed to equality, opportunity, and advancement
based on merit rather than race, religion, or ethnicity; and

Whereas the heroic contributions of each member of the United States
Armed Forces should be honored and celebrated: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),

SECTION 1. USE OF ROTUNDA FOR CEREMONY COMMEMORATING 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF
INTEGRATION OF THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) Use of Rotunda.--The rotunda of the Capitol is authorized to be
used on July 23, 2008, for a ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary
of President Truman's Executive Order No. 9981, which states, ``It is
hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be
equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed
services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.''.

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122 STAT. 5197

(b) Preparations.--Physical preparations for the ceremony referred
to in subsection (a) shall be carried out in accordance with such
conditions as the Architect of the Capitol may prescribe.

Agreed to June 27, 2008.