[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 51 (Friday, April 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF THE HOMETOWN TREES PROGRAM

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Hometown 
Trees Program for its dedicated service toward improving and preserving 
hometown landscapes. The program which began 4 years ago will plant its 
4 millionth tree on Earth Day, April 22, 1996. I would also like to 
take this opportunity to honor Kristin Hyman, the 9-year-old grand-
prize winner in a nationwide contest on the importance of trees.
  The Hometown Trees Program has prospered since its inception 4 years 
ago. Every spring, the program teams up with thousands of local 
volunteers who plant trees in their communities to ensure that future 
generations will enjoy their natural beauty. To date, through the 
Hometown Trees Program, more than 3 million trees have been rooted in 
over 1,500 cities in 43 States.
  The program's pledge to enhance, protect and generate awareness about 
the environment is of great importance. The planting of one tree today 
will serve the community for hundreds of years to come. This program 
also develops amongst our children an appreciation for nature that will 
serve our Nation for generations that follow.
  In February, a nationwide essay contest was held to increase 
children's environmental awareness and appreciation. I am pleased to 
announce to my colleagues that the winner of the nationwide event was 
9-year-old Kristin Hyman of Bayonne, NJ. Her poem, ``Tree Reasons,'' 
was selected from the hundreds of entries received in her age group for 
its creativity and uniqueness. I am proud to say that she will be 
honored in a special ceremony in her hometown on Earth Day.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the achievements of the 
Home Trees Program and its continuing commitment to the environment. I 
would also like to pay tribute to Kristin Hyman, a special young lady 
who has demonstrated to her community that no one is ever too young to 
care for and appreciate the environment. I am proud to have such a 
talented young woman living within my district.

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