[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 97 (Friday, July 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   RECOGNIZING THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE 11TH ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 22, 1994

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
National Association of Town Watch in New Jersey for their 
participation in the 11th annual National Night Out on August 2, 1994.
  Among the participating cities are Bayonne, East Newark, Elizabeth, 
Guttenberg, Harrison, Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, North Bergen, Perth 
Amboy, Union City, Weehawken, West New York, Woodbridge, and Kearny.
  I am proud to have such concerned citizens in my district. This 
outstanding organization is a national project supported by 8,650 
communities throughout our 50 States. Their aim is to bring attention 
to the ever-rising crime and drug rate, which endangers every 
neighborhood in our Nation. With the combined efforts of law 
enforcement agencies, citizens, businesses, neighborhood organizations 
and local officials, the National Association of Town Watch has been 
able to successfully send a simple message to criminals: ``We are 
organized and fighting to take our streets back.''
  The participating cities celebrated National Night Out with various 
events such as block parties, parades, contests, and public safety 
demonstrations, as well as the traditional display of outdoor lights 
and front porch vigils. This kind of community involvement heightens 
crime and drug awareness and strengthens police-community relations.
  The National Association of Town Watch aims to mobilize our 
communities against crime and the criminal element. For too long, 
honest, hard-working citizens have lived in fear behind locked doors. 
The events commemorating national night out are symbolic of our resolve 
to live in fear no more.
  The National Association of Town Watch as well as each of the 
participating cities are to be commended for their efforts. Their 
dedication and concern for a safer nation is admirable. The benefits 
our Nation will receive from National Night Out will most certainly 
extend beyond one night. I salute them today and wish them luck in 
their future endeavors.

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