A resolution celebrating the musical and cultural heritage of country music and recognizing the "Country: A Celebration of America's Music" festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Whereas country music is an essential element of the musical and cultural heritage of the United States, and helps promote an understanding and appreciation of the cultural achievements of the Nation;

Whereas country music is a medium with the power to entertain, connect, and communicate, and embodies the spirit and the lives of Americans with diverse backgrounds;

Whereas the diversity of country music provides a valuable form of artistic expression and embraces musical traditions including folk, bluegrass, gospel, honky-tonk, and rock and roll;

Whereas the popularity and notoriety of country music have had a unique effect on the commercial development of Nashville, Tennessee, commonly known as Music City, U.S.A.;

Whereas the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Nashville, is dedicated to—

Whereas the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and other contributors to the Country: A Celebration of America's Music festival, should be commended for celebrating country music and engaging in a serious curatorial investigation into a form of artistic expression that is unique to the United States;

Whereas the Country: A Celebration of America's Music festival will—

Whereas additional efforts to recognize the role of folk-based and indigenous arts of the United States should be encouraged: Now, therefore, be it