Speaker. as an original sponsor. I rise in strong support of H.R. 1492. a bill establishing a National Jubilee Commission to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Columbus voyage to America. Every Americanwhether descendant from those 17th century pioneers of the Mayflower or presentday Vietnamese refugeesshares the benefits of this daring voyage. The discovery of a New World not only inspired the later voyages of Columbus. but this hope for a fresh start encouraged the Pilgrims to risk their lives for religious freedom. opened the door for economically oppressed Irish. advanced the hopes of Italians and Poles. and fostered the courage of Vietnamese to flee their homeland for a new life in America. This anniversary celebration may be viewed by some as a series of Italian festivals or a Spanish Awareness decade. but they are missing the point.
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