[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 114 (Tuesday, September 21, 2004)] [Senate] [Pages S9395-S9396] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] GRAND OPENING OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I want to comment very briefly on something I mentioned in the last week, and that is the grand opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. The grand opening officially is occurring today, actually in a couple of hours. This marks a milestone in American and American Indian history. Established by an act of Congress in 1989, the museum, which we can all see from the front of the Capitol, is a tribute to the extraordinary achievements and the contributions made by American Indian culture. I had the opportunity 2 nights ago to tour that museum. It is truly remarkable, unique, and unlike any other museum in the Smithsonian group in that the stories are told by participants of the culture. There are great collections, as so many of the institutions have. It is a cultural experience that comes alive as one goes through this museum, starting on the fourth floor, and continuing to the third, second, and first floor. It is truly remarkable. It is right here on the National Mall, as everyone in this body knows. It is a prominent symbol of the progress we have made in recognizing and, in many ways, reconciling our shared history. [[Page S9396]] The celebration began informally yesterday but will continue over the course of the week. There are going to be about 600,000 people participating in the celebration from around the world. As one looks out from the front of the Capitol steps, they see the platforms for singers, dancers, and storytellers, representing nearly 40 American Indian communities, performing over the course of the week. The museum is fascinating, and I wanted to bring that to everybody's attention. Again, I know the Democratic leader and myself will be participating in the opening of those ceremonies today. ____________________