carta. we remember, of course, this institution s good fortune to have been called upon to safeguard the lincoln magna carta during world war ii. but as a repository of the accumulated knowledge of human civilization, the library of congress must also be acknowledged to be one of the best assets the united states possesses for participation in magna carta s greatest legacy, the preservation of the rule of law. the library began over two centuries ago as the principle reference collection for legal research, both for the congress and the united states supreme cou court. it continues to offer unparalleled legal resources to all three branches of the united states government as well as to the governments of foreign states. this mission, the preservation of the rule of law is inscribed in the very walls of the building in which we are standing, the thomas jefferson building, in paintings, mosaics in the ceiling, statues in the reading room. there s a wonderful quote by the englis
ceremony. this program runs about 45 minutes. good morning, ladies and gentlemen. i m james billington, the 13th librarian of the congress. it s a great pleasure to zvr&coe you to the library of congress and to this event celebrating the opening of the library s latest exhibition, magna carta, muse and a mentor. i think it is indisputable that the library of congress has a special relationship with magna carta. we remember, of course, this institution s good fortune to have been called upon to safeguard the lincoln magna carta during world war ii. but as a repository of the accumulated knowledge of human civilization, the library of congress must also be acknowledged to be one of the best assets the united states possesses for participation in magna carta s greatest legacy, the preservation of the rule of law. the library began over two centuries ago as the principle reference collection for legal research, both for the congress and the united states supreme cou court. it c
latest exhibition, magna carta, muse and a mentor. i think it is indisputable that the library of congress has a special relationship with magna carta. we remember, of course, this institution s good fortune to have been called upon to safeguard the lincoln magna carta during world war ii. but as a repository of the accumulated knowledge of human civilization, the library of congress must also be acknowledged to be one of the best assets the united states possesses for participation in magna carta s greatest legacy, the preservation of the rule of law. the library began over two centuries ago as the principle reference collection for legal research, both for the congress and the united states supreme cou court. it continues to offer unparalleled legal resources to all three branches of the united states government as well as to the governments of foreign states. this mission, the preservation of the rule of law is inscribed in the very walls of the building in which we are st
civilization, the library of congress must also be acknowledged to be one of the best assets the united states possesses for participation in magna carta s greatest legacy, the preservation of the rule of law. the library began over two centuries ago as the principle reference collection for legal research, both for the congress and the united states supreme cou court. it continues to offer unparalleled legal resources to all three branches of the united states government as well as to the governments of foreign states. this mission, the preservation of the rule of law is inscribed in the very walls of the building in which we are standing, the thomas jefferson building, in paintings, mosaics in the ceiling, statues in the reading room. there s a wonderful quote by the englishman richard hooker. of law there can be no less acknowledged than that her voice is the harmony of the world. today s program embodies the spirit i think embodies that quotation. we ll hear from not on
celebrating the opening of the library s latest exhibition, magna carta, muse and a mentor. i think it is indisputable that the library of congress has a special relationship with magna carta. we remember, of course, this institution s good fortune to have been called upon to safeguard the lincoln magna carta during world war ii. but as a repository of the accumulated knowledge of human civilization, the library of congress must also be acknowledged to be one of the best assets the united states possesses for participation in magna carta s greatest legacy, the preservation of the rule of law. the library began over two centuries ago as the principle reference collection for legal research, both for the congress and the united states supreme court. it continues today to offer its unparalleled legal resources to all three branches of the united states government as well as to the governments of foreign states. this mission, the preservation of the rule of law, is inscribed on t