Existing comment:
The District of Columbia's Seat of Government:
Inaugural parades and funeral corteges... marches for women's suffrage and war protests... emancipation celebrations, pleas for home rule, Congressional voting representation... During a century on Pennsylvania Avenue, this building has witnessed history.
History has been made within these walls too. The people's elected legislature meets here to deliberate, debate, and enact laws, after hearing testimony from residents. Mayors and council members have been sword into office on the steps and lain in state in the marbled halls.
Now, the John A. Wilson Building, strengthened and renewed, will cast its magnificent presence on Pennsylvania Avenue into the 21st century as beacon of representative government for the District's citizens.
"The symbolism of the Wilson Building provides us the opportunity to talk about the issues that we've had to endure concerning the District of Columbia and the challenges that continue to face us..."
"Celebrating the building's 100th anniversary is synonymous with celebrating the evolution of this government, its leadership, and our continued struggle to gain control over our own destiny."
-- Vincent Gray, Chairman, Council of the District of Columbia, 2008 |