HARTFORD – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) hailed Senate passage of a joint resolution approving the location of the National Liberty Memorial – a monument that will commemorate the tens of thousands of slaves and free persons who fought for freedom and independence in the American Revolution. Murphy sponsored the Senate resolution, which is cosponsored by 4 other senators. Construction of the National Liberty Memorial was authorized by Congress as part of the FY2013 Defense Authorization, but the General Services Administration (GSA) expressed a need for further clarification of congressional intent with regard to their ability to site the memorial. The joint resolution that was passed will empower the GSA to place the memorial at a site on or near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where it will join the monumental core of our capital city.

Former U.S. Senators Chris Dodd and Joseph I. Lieberman led the fight to pass legislation that, in 2013, was signed into law by President Obama and authorized a new memorial to these brave patriots. Liberty Fund D.C., a nonprofit established to lead the effort to construct the memorial, is currently working with architects and federal agencies to make that goal a reality.

Identical companion legislation (H.J. Res 120) passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent on September 8, 2014.

“The National Liberty Memorial is an important project that will commemorate the bravery, distinction, and patriotism of African American soldiers during the American Revolution. These soldiers played a critical role in the Revolutionary War and should be honored for their sacrifice in the face of unthinkable discrimination”, Murphy said. “I’m thrilled that the House and Senate worked so quickly to ensure that this tribute will be constructed in one of the most prominent locations in our nation’s capital.”