[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    THE CRIME STOPPERS CLUB OF D.C.

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 1997

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Crime Stoppers Club of 
D.C., a wonderful 30-year old organization in the District that teaches 
youth in D.C. to ``Stop crime by not committing crime.'' Since it began 
this valuable work, almost 25,000 boys and girls have become members 
and taken the Crime Stoppers pledge: ``We, the Crime Stoppers of D.C., 
pledge to obey all laws, respect police officers and all other 
citizens.''
  Recently this club celebrated its 30-year history at a special 
proclamation ceremony at Eastern High School in D.C. where they 
delivered speeches and celebrated living their lives crime-free. These 
youth have every reason to celebrate and to be honored by the 
community. They are contributing to the significant reduction we are 
seeing in crime in the District. Most important, the commitment of 
these youth to grow into adulthood without the burden and stigma of a 
police record shows how bright and successful their futures can be.
  Crime and its results have destroyed the lives of many children in 
many communities. How fortunate District residents are that this 
grassroots club of great effectiveness continues its work and that it 
is successful in encouraging children to stop crime and to become 
tomorrow's law-abiding citizens.
  The founder of this club, Margie Wilbur, is the driving force behind 
this thriving club whose spirit and commitment has made it so effective 
in reaching youth in D.C. A retired Federal employee, Ms. Wilbur 
deserves much praise for actively nurturing this club and keeping it 
alive throughout the years, sometimes with her own funds.
  It is my particular pleasure and honor to congratulate and salute the 
present members of the Crime Stopper's Club and the 25,000 boys and 
girls whose lives have been changed by its 30-year presence in 
Washington DC. You look forward to a future full of achievement and 
opportunity.

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