HCON 43 IH
101st CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 43
Commemorating the bicentennial of Bastille Day.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 2, 1989
Mr. DOUGLAS submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred
jointly to the Committees on Post Office and Civil Service and Foreign Affairs
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Commemorating the bicentennial of Bastille Day.
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; and
Whereas within a period of 31 days, the National Assembly of France approved
the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizens 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:
Now, therefore, be it
  Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That
  Congress--
  (1) on behalf of the people of the United States, extends to the people
  of France an expression of friendship and high regard on the occasion of
  the bicentennial of Bastille Day;
  (2) urges the people of the United States to observe July 14, 1989, the
  bicentennial of Bastille Day, as may be appropriate to the occasion; and
  (3) 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.