[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 25 (Thursday, February 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 COMMENDING SAUL BENNETT ON THE PUBLICATION OF ``NEW FIELDS AND OTHER 
                      STONES/ON A CHILD'S DEATH''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, on August 31, 1998, the United States 
Senate adopted Senate Resolution 193 of the 2nd Session of the 105th 
Congress, as follows:

       ``Whereas approximately 79,000 infants, children 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.

  Against the backdrop of this Resolution, I would like to commend a 
constituent of mine, Mr. Saul Bennett, on the publication of his book 
``New Fields and Other Stones/On a Child's Death.'' Mr. Bennett is 
himself a bereaved parent whose daughter Sara Bennett, died suddenly at 
the age of 24 from a brain aneurysm on July 14, 1994.
  ``New Fields and Other Stones'' is comprised of 50 poems that 
eloquently and chronologically address life for an American family 
following the loss of a child. The book already has prompted memorable 
favorable reviews and laudatory comments by leading bereavement 
counselors and therapists. In addition, numerous newspaper articles and 
broadcasters have commented on the book's importance and power. 
Moreover, on reading these articles, parents who have also lost a 
child, have contacted the author to express their camaraderie and 
gratitude.
  Mr. Speaker, losing a loved one is certainly one of the most 
traumatic experiences many of us will face in our lives. The void left 
behind is often too large to fill and it is usually quite difficult to 
soothe the pain that we had been afflicted with. Saul Bennett has not 
only worked diligently to heal his own wounds, he has reached out to 
help others who have faced such tragedy. I would like to commend Mr. 
Bennett for his personal strength and compassion and I applaud his 
efforts to help others deal with a loss of their loved ones.

                          ____________________