SENATE RESOLUTION 541--RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENTRY OF MAINE INTO THE UNION AS THE 23D STATE; Congressional Record Vol. 166, No. 47
(Senate - March 11, 2020)
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[Pages S1706-S1707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 541--RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE 200TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENTRY OF MAINE INTO THE UNION AS THE 23D STATE
Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mr. King) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:
S. Res. 541
Whereas the place now known as Maine is Wabanaki Homeland
and is home to vibrant indigenous cultures and communities;
Whereas Maine was a district of Massachusetts, 1 of the 13
original colonies of the United States;
Whereas, by 1820, people living in Maine had built a
thriving economy that included farming, forestry, fishing,
and shipbuilding industries;
Whereas, in March 1820, Congress and President James Monroe
approved the Missouri Compromise, authorizing the
establishment of the State of Maine and making Maine the 23d
State of the United States;
Whereas Maine is characterized by hardworking, altruistic,
and independent people and a strong community spirit;
Whereas the State motto of Maine, ``Dirigo'', Latin for ``I
lead'', reflects the trailblazing nature of Maine and the
1,300,000 inhabitants of Maine;
Whereas Maine has 1 of the highest numbers of veterans per
capita in the United States, and is the home of Togus, the
first veterans hospital in the United States;
Whereas Maine contributes greatly to national defense
through the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Bath Iron Works, Pratt
& Whitney, and numerous other suppliers and installations
whose skilled employees are a vital asset to the United
States;
Whereas distinguished statesmen from Maine include William
King, Joshua Chamberlain, Hannibal Hamlin, Margaret Chase
Smith, and Edmund Muskie;
[[Page S1707]]
Whereas Maine is known as ``The Pine Tree State'' and
``Vacationland'' for the extensive forests and spectacular
scenery that draw millions of visitors to Maine every year;
Whereas the majestic beauty of Mount Katahdin, 1 of the
highest peaks in New England and the northern terminus of the
Appalachian Trail, and other unspoiled natural treasures
beckon outdoor enthusiasts;
Whereas the rugged coastline and vibrant fall foliage of
Maine are showcased in particular splendor in Acadia National
Park, 1 of the 10 most visited national parks in the United
States;
Whereas the pristine Atlantic waters off the coast of Maine
support fishermen and women and the iconic lobster industry,
which is the most valuable fishery in the United States and
is known worldwide as a standard of seafood excellence;
Whereas Maine is the most forested State in the United
States, with a long history of pulp and paper production and
an exciting recent turn toward innovation and diversification
of forest products;
Whereas the fertile soils of Maine have helped farmers
produce the best potatoes and wild blueberries for
generations, and have supported the increase of organic
agriculture operations;
Whereas March 15, 2020, marks the 200th anniversary of the
attainment of statehood by Maine; and
Whereas that bicentennial is a monumental occasion to
celebrate and commemorate the achievements of the great State
of Maine: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and celebrates the
200th anniversary of the entry of Maine into the Union as the
23d State.
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