[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 148 (Friday, October 16, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE PIONEER TOTAL ABSTINENCE ASSOCIATION OF THE SACRED 
                             HEART OF JESUS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 16, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the Pioneer Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart. 
Pioneers promote a pure and Christian way of life through temperance 
and virtue.
  Founded in 1898 in Dublin, Ireland, the Pioneer Total Abstinence 
Association of the Sacred Heart was created to encourage a pristine 
lifestyle among its members, while striving to preserve tradition and 
uphold membership obligations. Each member of the PTAA belongs to one 
of the four membership categories, each with their own distinct emblem 
pin and membership certificate.
  Much of the membership in the PTAA is centered around the youth of 
the world. Each phase of the youth membership, which is divided into 
three categories, is designed to teach young members how to live a pure 
and Christian life. The Juvenile Pioneer (age 9-12 years), Junior 
Pioneer (age 12-15 years) and the Young Pioneer (Age 15 and upwards) 
pledge never to abuse drugs and prepare themselves to become permanent 
Pioneers. Permanent Pioneers act as mentors to the youth, pledge to 
abstain from alcohol for life, and must complete one year of total 
abstinence. In addition to their membership obligations, permanent 
Pioneers dedicate themselves to enhancing and strengthening the youth 
of the world as well as supporting victims of drug and alcohol abuse.
  Today, the PTAA has over 500,000 Pioneers in the United States and 
around the world. Structured on spirituality, leisure, education and 
training, youth, centenary and finance, the Pioneers have managed to 
maintain a strong tradition throughout history and they continue to 
spread their membership around the globe.
  My fellow colleagues, join me in honoring the Pioneer Total 
Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an organization 
that has lifted spirits, restored faith and purified lives all over the 
world.

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