[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 101 (Thursday, July 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL PARENTS' DAY

                                 ______


                           HON. CHARLIE ROSE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 1994

  Mr. ROSE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
declare my support for National Parents' Day and the development of 
national programs to help stabilize the American family.
  Our colleagues, Congressman Dan Burton and Congressman Floyd Flake, 
introduced House Resolution 236, which the House unanimously adopted on 
March 11, 1994. This resolution declared today, July 28, 1994, as 
National Parents' Day in America. This resolution represents the 
overwhelming consensus that America's families are the foundation on 
which this Nation was built. Commemorating a National Parents' Day will 
send a strong message to the American people that responsible parenting 
is the cheapest and most effective solution to eliminating many present 
day social ills.
  With all the problems facing our communities today, it is no surprise 
that American families are constantly struggling to stay together. 
Children are dealing with overwhelming problems such as crime, drug and 
alcohol abuse, violence, divorce, homelessness, and poverty. The 
statistics show that these social problems are taking a toll on our 
children when you look at the dropout rates, teen pregnancy, teen 
suicide, and the growing number of children on death row. These are 
just a few of the dilemmas that parents today must face. These problems 
place tremendous pressures on parents who are trying to juggle dual 
roles with a full-time job and a full-time family. I hope that many 
Americans, especially children, will take the time to pay tribute to 
all parents: biological, adoptive, foster parents, and grandparents 
that are raising a second generation. These parents are committed to 
strengthening and sustaining their roles as part of the solution to 
ending this crisis.
  National Parents' Day is an opportunity to recognize and award those 
parents who have dedicated their time and energy to helping and 
encouraging strong parenting. This day will honor outstanding parents 
in our communities all across America, making them visible role models. 
It also acknowledges and thanks those organizations, community leaders, 
and people in the media who through their programs and features 
exemplify the ideals of House Resolution 236.
  Earlier today, many television celebrities were honored on the steps 
of the Capitol for their acting roles as responsible parents in TV 
programs. Stars like Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad of ``The Cosby 
Show,'' Florence Henderson of ``The Brady Bunch,'' and Harriet Nelson 
of ``Ozzie and Harriet.'' Unfortunately, all of these shows are no 
longer in production although they can be seen in syndication.
  The point is this. Our children are influenced by their environment 
and the things they see every day, including television. It is 
imperative that more family-oriented programming be added to the 
nightly lineup so that positive role models are reinforced on the tube.
  History has demonstrated that the traditional American family is the 
cornerstone of our society. But as the times change, so must our 
definition of family. Who is to say that a single parent is not as good 
a parent as one that has a partner? Or that a parent that adopts a 
child does not love that child as much as the natural birth parent? If 
we are to survive as a nation, we must emphasize moral character and 
responsibility through family values. Sacrificial love is a key element 
in the development of these values. An example of this sacrificial love 
is demonstrated by a family in my congressional district that I helped 
adopt a child.
  Alan and Cathy Cooper adopted an 8-month-old Albanian child in March 
1992. Unfortunately, because of the political turmoil in that country, 
it took several years for the adoption to be finalized. However, 
through their persistence and sacrificial love for this child, the 
Coopers were able to become parents and bring their boy home earlier 
this year. They proved that they would go to the ends of the Earth to 
see that this child was protected and loved. It is this kind of 
selfless act, unconditional love, that needs to be restored in many of 
our families.
  Through programs like Big Brother/Big Sister, Project We Care and the 
National Institute for Responsible Fatherhood and Family Development we 
are on our way to making the American family a stable and secure 
environment for future generations. We, as Members of Congress, have an 
obligation to ensure that our social structure remains strong through 
these and other programs that encourage family development. Government 
and private sector business policies should reflect the changing 
structures of American families so that the children are not penalized. 
But well-intentioned Government programs are not the only solution. 
Parents are the answer.
  Recognizing a National Parent's Day will remind every individual of 
the crucial role parents play in shaping the lives of our children. Mr. 
Speaker, please join me and my colleagues in recognizing July 28, 1994, 
as National Parents' Day.