[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 153 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E 1861]]


        MICHIGAN WATERWAYS COUNCIL OF GIRL SCOUTS MEDAL CEREMONY

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 1995

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, this Saturday, September 30, 1995, the 
Michigan Waterways Council of Girl Scouts is hosting its 28th 
International River Crossing.
  As many of my colleagues know, the 10th Congressional District of 
Michigan, the district I have the privilege to represent, borders 
Ontario, Canada. Separated by Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River, 
our two nations are less than a mile apart along the river. This 
proximity of Canada has allowed for close relations between the peoples 
of Michigan and Ontario.
  For almost three decades the Girl Scouts have been participating in 
the promotion of our international friendship by sponsoring a river 
crossing. From 1967 through 1988, Girl Scouts from all over Michigan, 
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and Girl Guides from Ontario have gathered 
to hike across the Blue Water Bridge. The increased travel and trade 
between our two countries in recent years has caused us to begin the 
twinning of the Bluewater Bridge and expansion of the plaza at the base 
of the existing bridge. Since 1989, during these construction 
improvements, the crossing has taken place via ferry between Marine 
City, MI, and Sombra, ON. After the ferry crossing, the participants 
will again make the 1\1/2\ mile hike to Cundick Park for a day of 
sharing activities and swapping tokens of friendship.
  This year's event is especially exciting. The National Board of 
Directors of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. annually recognizes 
outstanding contributions to international understanding. Honorees 
receive the Juliette Low World Friendship Medal. During a 1 p.m. 
ceremony at the park, the Michigan Waterways Council of Girl Scouts and 
the Girl Guides of Canada will become one of only two recipients in the 
entire United States to receive the 1995 medal. I congratulate them for 
their well-deserved recognition.
  While participating in scouting, countless girls have acquired 
leadership skills and been involved in activities that foster positive 
self-esteem. The river crossing serves the additional function of 
promoting peace and international friendship. I applaud all involved 
with the Girl Scouts and Girl Guides for their hard work and good will. 
And, I urge my colleagues to join me in saluting them as 1995 
recipients of the prestigious Juliette Low World Friendship Medal.

                          ____________________