Rod Grams: “Fifty-five years ago, the members of the United Nation's founding delegation met in San Francisco for the signing…”

“Fifty-five years ago, the members of the United Nation's founding delegation met in San Francisco for the signing ceremony that created the U.N. There was great anticipation and a collective enthusiasm for this new, global institution. Delegates spoke of hope, of expectation, of the promise of peace. President Truman echoed the thoughts of those founding members when he told the delegates they had, ``created a great instrument for peace and security and human progress in the world.'' Fifty-five years later, the United Nations is struggling to meet its potential. As Chairman of the International Operations Subcommittee which has U.N. oversight responsibilities and having been appointed by the President to serve two terms as a Congressional Delegate to the U.N., I have focused significant attention on the United Nations. On the anniversary of the signing of the U.N. Charter, I think it is appropriate to take time for us all to reflect on that important institution. The U.N. is making headway in implementing reforms, and I believe that is due in a large part to the efforts of the U.S. Congress.”