Speech #830242999

It calls upon Congress and the President to authorize funds for the "erection and maintenance of a Statue of Liberty in such location in France as may be agreed to by the government of France." The resolution points out that the Statue at Bedloes Island. N. Y.. "stands as a beacon of freedom. giving inspiration to our own people and to all peoples yearning for freedom" and that a gift of a similar statue to France by the United States "would reaffirm to the people of France the confidence of the peole of the United States in their defense of liberty and would create a symbol to the peoples of the entire world of the determination of France to maintain its position in the vanguard of those nations dedicated to the cause of freedom." The Statue of Liberty. nicknamed "The Lady With the Torch." completed on May 21. 1884. was formally presented on July 4 that year to mark the impending 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. "Since that time." Mr. MORANO said. "millions of immigrants yearning to breathe free. as the inscription on the monument says. have thrilled to see this majestic statue looming out of the mist as their ships entered New York harbor. "It is a great and lasting monument to FrancoAmerican friendship as well as one of the eternal symbols of freedom not only to Americans. but to all humanity." He added that today. with Frances world position delicate and her internal situation difficult. the United States can demonstrate its gratitude and friendship by a reciprocal gesture. "A symbol of this kind might help rekindle that great French spirit which Americans have respected and admired through the centuries." he asserted. "the spirit of the revolutionists who battered down the gates of the Bastille and paved the way for eventual democracy. the spirit of the Battle of the Marne and Dien Bien Phu." The PriceSupport Program