Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 102 Part 3.djvu/385

 PUBLIC LAW 100-482—OCT. 11, 1988

102 STAT. 2337

Public Law 100-482 100th Congress Joint Resolution
 * Commemorating the bicentennial of the French Revolution and the Declaration of

the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.

Whereas the Treaty of Commerce and Amity concluded February 6, 1778, between France and the United States was the first alliance entered into by the United States; Whereas the independence of the United States was achieved with significant assistance from France and from individual citizens of France; i WheJ-eas the ideals of liberty and freedom which animated the people of the Upited States during the American Revolution were shibred iby many of the people of France and are held sacred by bolh peoples today; Whereas fhe 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 within a period of 31 days, the National Assembly of France approved the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of 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; Whereas the Government of France has established a Commission for the Bicentennial of the French Revolution and the Declaration of'the Rights of Man and of the Citizen; and Wheceas an American Committee on the French Revolution has J been organized to plan an appropriate commemoration in the United States of the bicentennial of the historic events of 1789 and of the shared aspirations, ideals, and experiences of the French and American peoples: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the ! United States of America in Congress assembled, That (a) the Congress and people of the United States extend to the people of France an expression of friendship and high regard on the occasion of the bicentennial of the French Revolution. (b) The Congress hereby— (1) urges the people of the United States to observe the bicentennial of the French Revolution as may be appropriate to the occasion; and (2) I finds with pride and satisfaction that France and the United States remain fully committed to the principles of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the Bill of Rights, respectively.

19-194 O—91—Part 3

13: QL 3

Oct. 11, 1988 [S.J. Res. 317]

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