[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        FAMILY DAY IN TENNESSEE

                                 ______


                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 23, 1995
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, recently the Tennessee General Assembly sent 
me a resolution declaring the last Sunday in August as Family Day in 
Tennessee. They asked for my support to make this a National day.
  The parent/child relationship is one of the most important in our 
society. Children learn lessons at home which shape and guide their 
future. No one would dispute that a loving, supportive homelife would 
benefit any child.
  As the family deteriorates, so does American society. We can readily 
see that many of the problems our Country now faces have coincided with 
the breakdown of the family. As a father of four, I appreciate the 
importance this legislation places on the worth of the family.
  Unfortunately, Congress no longer considers legislation for 
commemorative days. While this rule will save hundreds of thousands of 
dollars in operating and staff time, it does not allow for the 
recognition of National days of importance, such as Tennessee's 
proposed National Family Day.
  Therefore, I ask that the Tennessee General Assembly's resolution be 
printed in the Congressional Record so that my colleagues may benefit 
from such an eloquent and worthwhile memorial.
                     Senate Joint Resolution No. 97

       A Resolution Memorializing the United States Congress to 
     establish a day of national observance in honor of the 
     American family.
       Whereas, One of the most trustworthy indicators of the 
     health, strength and progress of a nation is the esteem in 
     which the family is held; and
       Whereas, Family strength, unity and respect cannot be 
     purchased or fabricated, but comes to us instead when 
     families are together and realize that through interaction 
     they know love, trust and hope; and
       Whereas, Life is special when we realize the worth of the 
     family and its importance in all relationships; and
       Whereas, The family is the center of our affections and the 
     foundation of our American society; and
       Whereas, No institution can take the family's place in 
     giving meaning to human life and stability in our society; 
     and
       Whereas, It is fitting that official recognition be given 
     to the importance of strengthening family life; now, 
     therefore,
       Be it resolved by the Senate of the ninety-ninth general 
     assembly of the State of Tennessee, the House of 
     Representatives concurring, That this General Assembly hereby 
     memorializes the U.S. Congress to enact legislation 
     establishing the last Sunday of August of each year as a day 
     of national observance to be known as ``Family Day'' in order 
     to focus attention and to confer honor upon the importance of 
     the American family as the cornerstone of our society.
       Be it further resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Senate 
     is directed to transmit enrolled copies of this resolution to 
     the Honorable Bill Clinton, President of the United States, 
     the Honorable Al Gore, Vice President of the United States, 
     and to each member of the Tennessee delegation to the U.S. 
     Congress.
     

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