[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 105 (Monday, September 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1439-E1440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL HISTORY DAY PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BERNARD SANDERS

                               of vermont

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 11, 2000

  Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the National History 
Day program. A basic knowledge of history is essential for our Nation's 
children to become informed participants in our democracy, and the 
National History Day program is promoting history education in Vermont 
and throughout our Nation.
  National History Day is a yearlong not-for-profit program in which 
students in grades 6-12 research and create historical projects related 
to a broad annual theme, culminating in an annual contest. It provides 
students the critical thinking and research skills used in all subject 
areas.
  I had the opportunity to meet with Vermont students who came to 
Washington for National

[[Page E1440]]

History Day. This program encourages students to draw attention to 
important historical events that shaped their own hometowns as well as 
our Nation, and in the process it improves their writing, reading, and 
critical thinking skills. It gets students excited about learning, 
while teaching them skills that will help them throughout their lives.
  For its efforts to promote the National History Day program, I would 
like to commend the Vermont Historical Society. National History Day 
has had a significant impact in history and social studies classrooms 
in Vermont and across the country. But there is still much to be done. 
Many teachers are unable to take advantage of the National History Day 
program because of a lack of funding.
  I urge my colleagues to support funding for the National History Day 
program in the Fiscal Year 2000 Labor, Health and Human Services, and 
Education Appropriations legislation.

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