[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E627]]
                         SALUTE TO EARTH ANGELS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM (BILL) CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 1998

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, today we commemorate Earth Day--an important 
occasion that has raised our national consciousness about environmental 
protection. In celebration of this event, I would like to pay tribute 
to one of the most committed environmental groups in the United States 
today, St. Louis' Earth Angels.
  The Earth Angels are a very special group of young environmentalists 
who are dedicated champions of our natural world. A grassroots group, 
there are now 150 Earth Angels working to preserve and protect the 
natural environment in our city. Many of the children who become Earth 
Angels come from homes of limited resources and few privileges. And 
they are courageously committed to improving their lives by helping to 
improve the quality of life in our community.
  The Earth Angels have adopted a noble mission. They are working to 
preserve the natural life of our planet. These children have worked 
thousands of hours recycling garbage, planting trees and raising funds 
to help protect the environment. They created and recently expanded a 
Model Prairie Garden at the Delmar Landing Metrolink station and now 
are hard at work on their third butterfly garden established on a 
vacant inner city lot.
  Over the years, the Earth Angels have received many national awards 
for their environmental achievements. Today the Earth Angels are 
receiving a ``Renew America Award'' from the National Awards Council 
for Environmental Sustainability (NACES), a coalition of 60 national 
environmental, nonprofit, government and business organizations 
including the National Audubon Society, Sierra Club, AT&T, National 
Geographic and the Smithsonian Institution. Later this month, the Earth 
Angels will receive the National Arbor Day Foundation's Annual Award 
for 1998 in the category of Environmental Education. And recently St. 
Louis' Earth Angels received a Giraffe award from the Giraffe 
Foundation of Washington State--an honor given to those who have 
``stuck their necks out'' for the common good.
  Mr. Speaker. The Earth Angels are truly among the finest citizens in 
the city of St. Louis. These children are wise beyond their years and 
are sure to become tomorrow's leaders. The Earth Angels have the 
highest respect for the living world. They observe Earth Day every day. 
The Earth Angels are hard-working achievers who have made many 
invaluable contributions to the St. Louis community--I am proud to 
salute these outstanding young people.

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