Speech #890088127

Speaker. on May 11. 1965. the President of the United States issued a - proclamation making Ellis Island part of s the Statue of Liberty National Monua ment. - Both Ellis Island and the Statue of s Liberty are located in the congressional district which I have the honor to represent in this body. Ellis Island came into Federal possession in 1800. It was placed under the control of the Federal Bureau of Immigration in 1890 for development as an immigration station. It has been host to 70 percent. or upwards of more than 16 million. of all those entering this country between 1892 and 1954. The Ellis Island immigration station was disestablished in 1954 and since that date the island has been under the custody and control of the General Services Administration. Ellis Island is an appropriate and highly significant addition to the Statue of Liberty National Monument. The Statue of Liberty was the supreme symbol of Americas deepest meaning to the oppressed millions who fled Europe and passed through Ellis Island during the more than 60 years it served as an immigration center. The millions of little people of whom both my maternal and paternal forebearers were part. who passed through the Ellis Island Depot. seeking refuge. freedom. and liberty have. along with immigrants who have attained prominence in our country. made a significant contribution to the United States of Americas rise to the position of world power. Together. Liberty State Park on the Jersey City waterfront. the Statue of Liberty (on Liberty Island. formerly called Bedloes Island) and a redeveloped Ellis Island will form a wellintegrated trio of scenic. historic. and recreational sites. They will serve admirably to depict an important phase of the history of our Nation and of the New York Harbor area. They will help serve the recreational needs of thousands of visitors and constitute a major asset to this great metropolitan area. It was my pleasure to sponsor in the House of Representatives the measure authorizing the striking of the medallions of this historic landmark known as the Statue of Liberty National Monument American Museum of Immigration. First. this monument or shrine is in my congressional district and so this was basically the reason I was chosen for this honor. However. I would have been honored to be permitted to introduce this legislation since I. just like each of you. am a descendant of immigrants to whom these areas have particular significance and I think I should like to have some little part in its history. When these medallions portraying this Statue of Liberty National Monument American Museum of Immigration shrine. I have Just mentioned. are purchased by citizens of this country. each of them will have helped in its restoration. This Statue of Liberty National Monument American Museum of Immigration will tell the story of the making of the United States by men and women who have come to our shores from all over the world to seek and find the blessings of life. liberty. and the pursuit of happiness. In the final analysis this is a country of immigrants. made eminently successful by the merging of people of diverse antecedents. My congratulations to all concerned who have participated in this wonderful public project.