[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  IN CELEBRATION OF NATIONAL UNITY DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 29, 1999

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the designation of 
a ``National Unity Day'' to celebrate our country's diversity as well 
as promote the need for harmony within our nation.
  Presently, my good friend Paul Callens and several of his colleagues 
are participating in the Unity Walk, a 3,200-mile trek across the 
United States. This Unity Walk is a means for sending the message to 
all Americans that we must create racial harmony within our communities 
at both the local and national levels. The walkers also hope to 
interest community leaders and local government officials in 
celebrating a National Unity Day.
  Their voyage is scheduled to end in San Francisco on October 10, 
1999. The participants hope to engage fellow Americans in worthwhile 
discussion about the issue of racial harmony. Their ultimate goal, 
however, is the designation of a National Unity Day commemorating the 
importance of indivisibility among our diverse group of citizens here 
in the United States. This would also include an annual National Unity 
Day celebration to recognize National Unity Day on the second Sunday of 
October every year.
  In our land of great freedom, we must not tolerate racism or 
prejudice of any kind. We must work together for peace and unity among 
the citizens of the United States to whom liberty and justice are 
natural human rights. The Unity Walkers have asked communities to 
examine their attitudes toward racial differences and make strides 
toward ending those racial divisions that threaten the soul of our 
nation.
  I ask my colleagues to join with me today in support of the 
establishment of National Unity Day, as we work to celebrate the 
differences among us.

                          ____________________