[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E530-E531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   THE INCREASE THE PEACE RESOLUTION

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                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 3, 2001

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce an important 
resolution which urges the House of Representatives to support 
``Increase the Peace Day'' events throughout the country.
  On April 20, 2000, on the one-year anniversary of the tragedy at 
Columbine High School, students, teachers, parents, and community 
leaders from Challenger Middle School in Lake Los Angeles, California 
hosted an ``Increase the Peace Day''.
  The program featured the formation of a human peace sign and a 
presentation by a former skinhead who turned his life around and now 
works with the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Museum of Tolerance.
  The highlight of the day was when the 650 students of Challenger 
signed an ``Increase the Peace Pledge'' in order to avoid any similar 
acts of school violence. Among the promises in the Pledge were to find 
a peaceful solution to conflicts, to not hit another person, to not 
threaten another person, to report all rumors of violence to an adult, 
to celebrate diversity, and to seek help when feeling lonely or 
confused.
  I was proud to join the other supporters of ``Increase the Peace 
Day'' and be a part of this incredible event.
  In fact, the event was so successful Challenger is having their 
``Second Annual Increase the Peace Day'' on April 20, 2001. They are 
expecting over 2,000 participants this year. Additionally, they are 
sponsoring an essay-writing contest in which the winner will be flown 
to Washington, D.C. to share their ideas on ensuring school safety with 
national leaders.
  I would like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding efforts of 
teacher Bruce Galler, who came up with the original idea for ``Increase 
the Peace Day'' because he believes that something can be done. Through 
his efforts, Challenger Middle School students have promoted the ideals 
of peace in their school and throughout the community.
  As such, I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution and to 
encourage their local communities to institute a similar program.

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