WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) and U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (Mo.), along with the Missouri congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Josh Hawley and U.S. Representatives Billy Long, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Ann Wagner, Vicky Hartzler, Sam Graves, Jason Smith, and Cori Bush, joined the Truman Library Institute Tuesday in announcing that the congressional dedication ceremony for the Harry S. Truman statue is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT on Thursday, September 29, in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
“President Truman’s tenacity, character, and courage to confront difficult problems are values admired by his fellow Missourians and people who study our history,” said Senator Blunt, who played a crucial role in steering the Truman Statue Project. “No president faced more crucial decisions than those President Truman confronted in the first nine months of his presidency. It’s been an honor to work in the same Russell Senate offices he used for the last 12 years.”
“The world needs to know about this man from Missouri who did so much for this country and whose name must be placed among those who’ve done the most for racial equality in America,” said Congressman Cleaver, who proudly represents Missouri’s 5th congressional district—the district of Harry Truman’s hometown of Independence, Mo. “President Truman’s decision to eliminate racial discrimination within America’s armed forces and federal workforce was a true display of moral leadership—and a monumental contribution to the American Civil Rights movement. He stepped forward and placed himself directly in the line of fire—even putting his reelection in jeopardy. But he did what was right and necessary for the U.S. to carry the mantle as the world’s leader in the cause of democracy and human rights. For that, I’m pleased he will make his return to the U.S. Capitol to inspire the next generation of Americans to defend the sacred values of democracy, freedom, and equality for all.”
“President Harry Truman was a true son of Missouri, devoting his life to service and to the good men and women of the state he loved,” said Senator Hawley. “He was a decisive and honest leader when our nation needed it most and saw us through difficult and perilous times. It’s an honor to join my colleagues in dedicating a statue to his memory.”
“I am excited to be able to join in the unveiling ceremony for President Harry S. Truman’s new statue in the United States Capitol Building,” said Congressman Long. “President Truman embodied the American Dream. From a farmer in Missouri to President of the United States, President Truman remained humble throughout his entire life. I am glad that his statue now joins other great American presidents in the Capitol Building, so that future generations can continue to learn about his incredible life and legacy.”
“After only three months as Vice President, Harry Truman succeeded an extremely popular President in the middle of the deadliest war in human history,” said Congressman Luetkemeyer. “President Truman led the United States out of World War II and into one of our nation’s more prosperous periods. As the only Missourian to serve as President, he has certainly earned a place in the Capitol.”
“I am proud to join my Missouri colleagues in honoring one of the most influential public servants from our great state, President Harry S. Truman,” said Congresswoman Wagner. “Throughout his life, President Truman served our nation at every level, from enlisting in the Missouri National Guard, to fighting in France during World War I, serving as a judge, representing our state in the United States Senate, and finally leading our nation as Commander-in-Chief. President Truman’s statue in the U.S. Capitol will serve as an important reminder of his long-lasting legacy and dedication to our country.”
“President Harry Truman was born in my district and lived a life reflective of his rural upbringing – with a strong work ethic, steadfast patriotism, and plainspoken ‘The Buck Stops Here’ accountability,” said Congresswoman Hartzler. “These qualities enabled him to lead with courage and conviction ending World War II. I am pleased the Show Me State’s distinguished son’s statue will be displayed in our nation’s Capitol as an inspiration for future citizens to achieve greatness through humble leadership.”
“President Harry S. Truman was a true statesman and one of Missouri’s finest,” said Congressman Graves. “As an artillery officer, he fought bravely in the trenches of Europe during World War I. As President, he made some of the most difficult decisions in the world, brought an end to World War II, and helped usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for these United States. No matter where he served, Harry Truman never forgot his roots and he always lived up to his favorite slogan: the buck stops here.”
“President Harry S. Truman’s rise from the son of humble Missouri farmers to the leader of the greatest nation in the world is the story of the American Dream,” said Congressman Smith. “As a proud Missourian, bold leader, and successful president, President Truman is a great addition to the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall Collection.”
“From desegregating our military to issuing executive orders prohibiting discrimination in housing and the workplace, President Truman implemented actions that prioritized civil rights,” said Congresswoman Bush. “I am glad to join the Missouri delegation in the announcement of the Congressional unveiling of the President Harry Truman statue.”
“President Truman may be remembered largely in black and white, but he is a 21st century standard for presidential leadership and public service. His story is our story, America’s story,” said Alex Burden, executive director of the Truman Library Institute. “Inheriting a global catastrophe after World War II, Truman shouldered the burden of leadership in a rudderless world with remarkable courage, integrity and humility. That’s why it’s a tremendous honor to lead this effort to bring Truman back to Washington more than 75 years since he boldly led our nation through some of the most dramatic and consequential chapters in America’s history.”
The statue of President Harry S. Truman will represent the State of Missouri in the Statuary Hall Collection and will be the 10th presidential statue installed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
The Truman Library Institute — founded by President Truman — spearheaded the Truman Statue Campaign to fund, create, and install the new Truman statue for the State of Missouri. The Truman Library Institute is the member-supported, nonprofit partner of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum, one of 15 presidential libraries of the National Archives and Records Administration. The Truman Library Institute recently led a $41 million renovation of the Truman Library in Independence, Mo. Additional information on the statue is available here: https://www.trumanlibraryinstitute.org/trumanstatue/