Robin Carnahan: “today in St. Louis people gather on the banks of the mighty Mississippi to commemorate the 40th anniversary of…”

“today in St. Louis people gather on the banks of the mighty Mississippi to commemorate the 40th anniversary of completing the Gateway Arch. It is our Nation's tallest monument at 630 feet, and St. Louis' greatest attraction with 3.5 million visitors each year. After the Great Depression and after public urging, a nationwide public competition was held to determine a design for a memorial that would honor President Thomas Jefferson's bold vision for westward expansion for America. It is our distinct symbol among the cities of the world, and stands as a testament to the inspired design of architect Eero Saarinen, to the amazing engineers and ironworkers who built her, and to the spirit of the citizens of St. Louis and across America. Upon its dedication President Johnson noted, For a century, we labored to settle and subdue a continent. For half a century, we called upon unbounded invention and untiring industry to create an order of plenty for all of our people. The challenge for the next half century is whether we have the wisdom to use that wealth to enrich and elevate our national life, and to advance the quality of our American civilization. Mr. Speaker, the challenge continues today as we wish happy birthday to St. Louis' arch. ____________________”