[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 47 (Thursday, April 13, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S2721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF GREEN UP DAY

 Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, nearly 30 years ago, my predecessor, 
the late Senator George D. Aiken, rose to report to the Senate on a new 
Vermont initiative called ``Green Up Day.'' He described an effort, 
then in its second year, in which thousands of Vermont citizen 
volunteers of all ages combed the streets, highways, back roads, and 
village greens to pick up litter and beautify their state.
  Another distinguished colleague of mine, Senator Robert Stafford, 
kept these same Vermonters' thoughts in mind when he courageously led 
this Senate in the fight to build strong national environmental 
policies--including Superfund--to protect public health, air, water, 
and land.
  The very first Green Up Day was a simple initiative born on April 18 
of 1970--a few days before the first Earth Day. Today it is an annual 
Vermont tradition. On May 6, 2000, thousands of Vermonters will 
celebrate the official 30th anniversary of ``Green Up Day'' just as 
they have for so many years--by picking up trash bags and devoting 
their day to the beautification and clean up of our Green Mountain 
State.
  Over the years, one organization, Vermont Green Up, has diligently 
coordinated volunteers and spread the ideas of Green Up Day. Vermont 
Green Up has sponsored annual poster contests for students, cleaned up 
several illegal dumps, and helped other states--and even other 
countries--organize their own ``Green Up'' efforts.
  In fact, my own daughter, Alicia, thought so much of Vermont Green Up 
that she served as their Executive Director for a few years. Alicia had 
the pleasure of serving in that position with Bob Stafford on the 
board. She also made sure her father was out picking up trash with her 
on Green Up Day!
  I congratulate Vermont Green Up, the financial sponsors supporting 
Green Up Day, and the thousands of Green Up Day volunteers. These are 
the people who continue to make the first Saturday in May an 
extraordinary day for Vermont's environment. The fact that we are now 
celebrating the 30th anniversary of Green Up Day is a testament to 
these Vermonters untiring dedication to the environment of our Green 
Mountain State.

                          ____________________