Early in 2001, I coauthored legislation to authorize a formal tribute to the two Presidents from Quincy.  Within six months, our bill was passed by the House and Senate, and signed into law by  President Bush. The legislative process toward its enactment was like a long tutorial in American history for many House colleagues.

As a Quincy native myself, I've long enjoyed visiting the Adams National Historical Park  --  a national treasure which has experienced soaring interest in the wake of the popular biography by Pulitzer prize-winner David McCullough.  And in the course of our work on the federal level, I  also suggested a more substantial Adams tribute in the Massachusetts State House.

The job of selecting a location and design of the DC memorial, which will also honor Abigail Adams, now falls to the National Capital Planning Commission.  It's an exciting prospect -- both as a historic national site, and for its cultural tourism impact at home.