GRANT'S TOMB NATIONAL MEMORIAL ACT INTRODUCED
HON. JERROLD NADLER
(Extension of Remarks - May 11, 1994)
[Page: E899]

HON. JERROLD NADLER
in the House of Representatives
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1994

• Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Grant's Tomb National Memorial Act, which would restore and preserve the tomb of Ulysses S. Grant as a National Monument, to honor the great general and 18th President of the United States, and to educate Americans about Grant's life and the remarkable era in which he served the Nation with such distinction.
• I joined descendants of Ulysses S. Grant , neighborhood residents and visitors at Grant's Tomb , in my district in New York City, to pay tribute to this great American on April 27th in commemoration of what would have been his 127th birthday. Uylsses S. Grant led the Union Army to victory, bringing an end to the Civil War and helping to enforce the emancipation of former slaves. As President he was a pioneer in the effort to recognize, support, and protect civil rights by sending Federal troops to protect the rights of former slaves to vote, to own property and to enjoy all the privileges of citizenship. In 1872, Grant signed into law the act to establish Yellowstone National Park--the first national park in the world. Grant's 
  contributions to our country should be taught to future generations and should be honored by restoring his tomb to its original splendor.
• The sad condition of Grant's Tomb was brought to my attention by Frank Scaturro, a history major at Columbia University, who has devoted his scholarship and energy to promoting the monument and advocating for its restoration and preservation. The site has been marred by graffiti, littering, and public urination. It has become a locale for drug and alcohol abuse, and other antisocial behavior unfitting for a place of tribute to war hero and former United States President. My bill sets up a study commission to review and make recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior to restore, maintain, and preserve the Grant's Tomb National Memorial, to educate the public about Ulysses S. Grant , his life achievements, and his era. It provides for the Federal acquisition of the surrounding plaza to facilitate restoration, a visitor center to aid in the interpretation and maintain the historical significance of the monument, and honor guards to provide security and promote respectful demeanor at the monument.
• Private citizens donated money in 1885, upon Grant's death, to build the tomb in his honor. These loyal Americans, under the leadership of the grant Monument Association, donated the tomb to the Federal government because they believed that this would insure its perpetual care. It is time for us to accept responsibility for the important gift that has been donated to the country. We must support this site with the same enthusiasm that we support the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian.
• This bill would ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to remember and honor Ulysses S. Grant .
  [Page: E900]