[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 23 (Monday, March 9, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1569-S1570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 193--DESIGNATING ``NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY''

  Mr. REID submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 193

       Whereas approximately 79,000 infants, children, teenagers, 
     and young adults die each year in the United States;
       Whereas the death of a child is one of the greatest 
     tragedies suffered by a family; and
       Whereas support and understanding are critical to the 
     healing process of a bereaved family: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates December 13, 1998, as ``National Children's 
     Memorial Day''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     designating December 13, 1998, as ``National Children's 
     Memorial Day'' and calls on the people of the United States 
     to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities 
     in remembrance of infants, children, teenagers, and young 
     adults who have died.

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I am submitting a resolution that 
would set aside December 13, 1998 as the National Children's Memorial 
Day to remember all the children who die in the United States each 
year. While I realize the families of these children deal with the 
grief of their loss every day, I would like to commemorate the lives of 
these children with a special day as well.
  I have had many constituents share their heart wrenching stories with 
me about the death of their son or daughter. I have heard heroic 
stories of kids battling cancer or diabetes, and tragic stories of car 
accidents and drownings. Each of these families has had their own 
experience, but they must all continue with their lives and deal with 
the incredible pain of losing a child.
  The death of a child at any age is a shattering experience for a 
family. By establishing a day to remember children that have passed 
away, bereaved families from all over the country will be encouraged 
and supported in the

[[Page S1570]]

positive resolution of their grief. It is important to families who 
have suffered such a loss to know that they are not alone. To 
commemorate the lives of these children with a special day would pay 
them an honor and would help to bring comfort to the hearts of their 
bereaved families.

                          ____________________