PUBLIC LAW 102-343—AUG. 17, 1992 106 STAT. 915 Public Law 102-343 102d Congress An Act To establish a commission to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth ofThomas Jefferson. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Thomas Jefferson Commemoration Commission Act". SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS. The Congress finds that— (1) April 13, 1993, marks the 250th anniversary of the birth ofThomas Jefferson; (2) as author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson conceived and executed an affirmation of democratic government unequaled in both its eloquence and clarity; (3) in an age of democratic awakening, Thomas Jefferson worked to promote government based on the consent of the people, to hold rulers continually responsible to the ruled, and to secure fundamental rights and liberties of free citizens; (4) Thomas Jefferson was elected 3d President of the United States in 1801 and helped to establish the process by which ongoing poHtical change is carried forward through public debate and free elections; (5) with the Louisiana Purchase, Thomas Jefferson virtually doubled the size of the United States; (6) the genius ofThomas Jefferson extended beyond the realm of poUtics and government to the adaptation of classic architecture, as exemplified by his home at Monticello and the grounds of the University of Virginia, which set an American standard of dignity, simplicity, and elegance; (7) Thomas Jefferson encouraged American science in its infancy, and with his friend James Madison, laid the comerstone of the American tradition of religious freedom and separation of church and state; (8) Thomas Jefferson also championed imiversal public education, believing such education essential to democratic government as well as to advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of happiness; (9) it is appropriate to remember and renew the legacy of Thomas Jefferson for the American people and, indeed for all mankind, during a time when the light of democracy is again bursting upon the world; and (10) as the Nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, it is appropriate to celebrate and commemorate this anniversary througn local, national, and international observances and activities planned and coordinated by a national commission. Aug. 17, 1992 [S. 959] Thom£us Jefferson Commemoration Commission Act 36 USC 149 note. 36 USC 149 note.
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