Alan Lowenthal: “Washington, D.C., and The National Mall are where we honor our Nation's heroes and commemorate our most significant…”

“Washington, D.C., and The National Mall are where we honor our Nation's heroes and commemorate our most significant achievements. An important chapter in our history which has yet to be fully recognized is the contribution and the sacrifice of the over 5,000 slaves and free Black persons who fought to free the Colonies in our Nation's War of Independence. These brave, selfless men must not be forgotten and are certainly deserving of our lasting recognition. That is why in 2003 after years of debate and effort, Congress authorized the National Liberty Memorial. The National Liberty Memorial will serve as an important remembrance. I am very pleased that we are able to consider this bill today. When Congress authorizes the establishment of a memorial in Washington, D.C., it then takes years of planning to select a design and location. Fortunately, for the Liberty Memorial, a site has been selected. One of the last hurdles is approval from Congress, and with the adoption of H.J. Res. 120, that is why and what we are here to do today. {time} 1800 Getting this far would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the bill's sponsor, Representative Butterfield from North Carolina. I would like to thank him and congratulate him for his work and look forward to soon visiting the new National Liberty Memorial. We support this legislation and thank the majority for bringing it up for consideration. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.”