[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 108 (Monday, August 8, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
     JOINT RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING SMOKEY BEAR'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I am proud to be a cosponsor of Senate 
Joint Resolution 214 designating August 9, 1994, as ``Smokey Bear's 
50th Anniversary.'' In 1950 the Forest Service chose an orphaned bear 
cub, found in the aftermath of a wildfire in New Mexico's Lincoln 
National Forest, to be the physical manifestation of their 6-year-old 
Smokey Bear fire prevention program. In the years that followed the 
Smokey symbol became synonymous with the rescued cub, quickly making 
him one of New Mexico's most recognized personalities.
  Technically speaking, Smokey Bear has been the living symbol of fire 
prevention in the United States, but the image and effect of Smokey 
Bear has extended far beyond the fire prevention message. There is 
something uniquely American in the story of Smokey Bear and for the 
ideals he has come to represent. His story is one of survival in the 
face of adversity and a lifelong determination to shield others from 
the tragedy he knew.
  Readily recognized by millions of Americans, young and old alike, 
Smokey provides a valuable character reference in a world too often 
preoccupied with cynicism, distrust, and tensions of all kinds. His 
frequent visits to schools, willingness to participate in public 
functions, and numerous TV and radio appearances demonstrate a 
traditional American work ethic and tireless commitment to protecting 
the things we value as a Nation.
  Today, more than ever, we must heed Smokey's message. Each year, more 
and more people are living, working, and playing, in our near our 
wildland resources. Increased human activity naturally leads to 
increased opportunities for man-caused fires. At the same time, much of 
the West remains gripped in severe drought and is experiencing an 
unprecedented potential for catastrophic wildfire. This year 19 
firefighters have died protecting our natural resources. I sincerely 
hope that those were the last tragedies, yet the danger remains.
  Preventing destructive wildfires remains a worthwhile objective, and 
for gains Smokey has made in that endeavor, we are all in his debt. 
However, on a broader scale, Smokey has become a symbol of individual 
and national pride in how we, as Americans, deal with the problems of 
daily living. On this, his 50th anniversary, I salute the spirit of 
Smokey Bear.

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