[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H5383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMEMORATING NATIONAL MISSING CHILDREN'S WEEK

  (Mr. FOLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate this week as 
National Missing Children's Week. As Americans, we are all compelled by 
the heartbreaking stories of abductions and murders of children. Adam 
Walsh, and Jimmy Ryce, these are names and faces south Floridians will 
never forget. In 1995, nearly 5,000 missing persons cases reported that 
year remained unresolved.
  We all grieve for the families whose cases remain unresolved--and 
pray that they may be reunited with their loved ones soon so that their 
lives can return to normal. As a nation we should try to prevent child 
victimization through education. Families should begin early by opening 
the lines of communication in their family, teaching children 
protection information that can help keep them safe. Knowledge empowers 
children, and high self-esteem gives them the confidence to trust their 
own feelings when they feel uncomfortable and need help.
  Mr. Speaker, we need to join together as a community to help resolve 
missing children cases and Missing Children's Week is an important part 
of the awareness process.

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