[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 78 (Thursday, May 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E995]]

                        NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

                                 ______


                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 10, 1995

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize efforts in 
Northwest Ohio to celebrate the beginning of National Volunteer Week in 
America. It is very hard to imagine our country without its corps of 
ready, willing and able volunteers. So strong and proud is America's 
history of volunteerism, that the concept and nature of ``American 
Volunteerism'' has become an institution by which the world recognizes 
and understands our national identity of compassion and caring for our 
fellow humankind.
  Has there ever been a time in our history that there were not 
volunteers ready to lend a hand? Beginning with Paul Revere and 
extending right through to the response of emergency and medical 
personnel to last week's tragedy in Oklahoma--Americans have always 
been ready to help their fellow citizens.
  While volunteerism in America does not always manifest itself in 
terms as dramatic as when every available doctor and nurse within a 
100-mile radius and beyond rushes to the scene of a tragedy, it is no 
more important or devoted than the millions of Americans who respond 
daily and regularly to the unsatisfied needs of their communities.
  Here in our community, volunteers feed the hungry, shelter and 
minister to the homeless, reach out and touch minds that are eager to 
learn and spirits that yearn to fly. Even in the lives of those whose 
needs are not borne from necessity, but whose pursuits are dedicated 
toward service and improvement, volunteers make the day.
  I know my colleagues join me in recognizing National Volunteer Week 
and in saying to every citizen in our community and country who works 
for a recompense that no amount of money can satisfy, thank you for 
answering the call, thank you for helping make our country a better 
place.


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