103 STAT. 148 PUBLIC LAW 101-55—JULY 7, 1989 Public Law 101-55 101st Congress Joint Resolution July 7, 1989 Designating July 14, 1989, as "National Day To Commemorate the Bastille Day [H.J. Res. 298] Bicentennial". Whereas the independence of the United States was achieved with significant assistance from France and from individual citizens of France; Whereas the ideals of liberty and freedom which animated the people of the United States during the American Revolution were shared by many of the people of France and are held sacred by both peoples today; Whereas the year 1789 was of particular significance in the history of both France and the United States, marking the opening chapter of the French Revolution and the concluding chapter of the American Revolution; Whereas on July 14, 1789, the people of France liberated the hated Bastille prison, thus signifying the triumph of liberty over tyranny; Whereas within a period of 31 days, the National Assembly of France approved the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen on August 26, 1789, and the Congress of the United States approved the Bill of Rights on September 25, 1789, thereby proclaiming the sanctity of human rights on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and guaranteeing them for future generations; and Whereas France and the United States remain fully committed to the principles of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen and the Bill of Rights: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That July 14, 1989, is designated as "National Day To Commemorate the Bastille Day Bicentennial", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved July 7, 1989. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 298: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 135 (1989): June 20, considered and passed House. June 22, considered and passed Senate.
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