[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 83 (Monday, June 14, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6947-S6948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION--DESIGNATING DECEMBER 12, 1999, AS ``NATIONAL 
                       CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY''

  Mr. REID (for himself, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Byrd, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Dodd, 
Mr. Inouye, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Smith of New Hampshire, Mr. Helms, Mr. 
Torricelli, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Nickles, Mr. Craig, Mr. 
Smith of Oregon, Mr. Rockefeller, and Mr. Abraham) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary:

                              S. RES. 118

       Whereas approximately 80,000 infants, children, teenagers, 
     and young adults of families living throughout the United 
     States die each year from myriad causes;
       Whereas the death of an infant, child, teenager, or young 
     adult of a family is considered to be 1 of the greatest 
     tragedies that a parent or family will ever endure during a 
     lifetime; and
       Whereas a supportive environment and empathy and 
     understanding are considered critical factors in the healing 
     process of a family that is coping with and recovering from 
     the loss of a loved one: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY.

       The Senate--
       (1) designates December 12, 1999, as ``National Children's 
     Memorial Day''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the

[[Page S6948]]

     United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies 
     and activities in remembrance of the many infants, children, 
     teenagers, and young adults of families in the United States 
     who have died.

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I am submitting a resolution that 
would set aside December 12, 1999, 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.
  This will be the second year we will have designated the second 
Sunday in December as National Children's Memorial Day. As I stated 
last year, 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 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.

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