Minnesota Session Laws - 1987, Regular Session

  

                         Laws of Minnesota 1987 

                       RESOLUTION 8-H.F.No. 1145 
 A resolution memorializing the President and Congress 
of the United States to award posthumous Medals of 
Freedom to Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, and 
James Chaney. 
    WHEREAS, in June 1964, three young American citizens, 
Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, and James Chaney, went to 
Neshoba County, Mississippi, to work for black citizens' voting 
rights; and 
    WHEREAS, with the active connivance of county officials who 
had sworn to uphold the constitution and laws, the three were 
abducted, murdered, and interred where it was believed they 
would never be found by family and friends; and 
    WHEREAS, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was intended to 
recognize the actions of those who have contributed 
substantially to the spirit of American freedom; and 
    WHEREAS, the Presidential Medal of Freedom honors Americans 
who have made an exceptional contribution to national interest, 
world peace, and culture, so it is appropriate to recognize 
Goodman, Schwerner, and Chaney who gave their lives in pursuit 
of securing the free exercise of the right to vote by black 
citizens in the south; and 
    WHEREAS, it is particularly appropriate to recognize the 
contribution of these three heroic people; and 
    WHEREAS, it is clear from the passage of many years that 
the contribution of Goodman, Schwerner, and Chaney was a key in 
the civil rights movement that will be noted for all time in the 
history of this country; NOW, THEREFORE, 
    BE IT RESOLVED that the President and Congress of the 
United States should take swift action to posthumously award 
Presidential Medals of Freedom to Andrew Goodman, Michael 
Schwerner, and James Chaney.  
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the 
State of Minnesota is directed to prepare certified copies of 
this memorial and present them to the President of the United 
States, the President and Secretary of the United States Senate, 
the Speaker and Chief Clerk of the United States House of 
Representatives, and to Minnesota's Senators and Representatives 
in Congress. 
    Filed May 14, 1987