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STAT.]

97

PUBLIC LAW 61—JUNE 29, 1951 CHAPTER

P u b l i c Law 61

175

JOINT RESOLUTION

Providing for United States participation in the celebration at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, of the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Whereas the one hundred and seventhy-fifth anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence will occur on July 4,1^51; and Whereas it is desirable to accord suitable recognition of the value of the precepts of the Declaration in sustaining the Government of the United States as a strong bulwark against totalitarianism; and Whereas fitting ceremonies to commemorate this anniversary are in process of preparation, such ceremonies to be held in the city of Philadelphia during the week of July 1 to July 7, 1951: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate arid House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That (a) there is hereby created a commission to be composed of twelve members, as follows: Two officers of the executive branch of the Federal Government to be appointed by the President of the United States; two Members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate; two Members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; and six persons who are not officers or employees of the Federal Government to be appointed by the President of the United States, three upon recommendation of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and three upon recommendation of the mayor of the city of Philadelphia if those officials desire to recommend any such persons. Any vacancy in the membership of such commission shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. (b) The commissioners shall serve without compensation and shall select a chairman from \mong their number. SEC. 2. (a) I t shall be the function of the commission, in cooperation with the government of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the government of the city of Philadelphia, and the Commission for the Commemoration of the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, (1) to prepare a plan for appropriate^ ceremonies at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1951, to observe and celebrate the one hundred and seventyfifth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and (2) to execute such plan. (b) I n performing the functions set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the commission may— (1) prepare, print, and distribute to public libraries, public schools, universities, colleges, patriotic organizations and groups material containing such historical data as the commission may deem desirable to acquaint the public with the nature and significance of the celebration; (2) if the commission deems it advisable, invite the participation of other nations in the celebration, and arrange for such participation with the governments of such nations; (3) accept contributions of money and material for expenditure for use in the various activities of the commission; (4) do all other things it deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this joint resolution. (c) The commission shall submit to the Congress, on or before March 1, 1952, a report of its activities, together with a detailed statement of the manner of expenditures of any funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization contained in section 3(b).

lune 29, 1951 (S. J. Res. 61]

Anniversary celebration of signing of Declaration of Independence. Creation of commission.

Selection of chairman. Functions of commission.

Preparation, etc., of historical data.

Participation of other nations.

Contributions.

Report to Congress.

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