[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 87 (Thursday, June 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING GOALS AND IDEAS OF AMERICAN YOUTH DAY

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                               speech of

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2001

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 124 to celebrate 
our youth as the future of the United States and to support the goals 
and ideas of America's Youth Day.
  It is our ultimate priority and our duty to fulfill the five promises 
established by the Alliance for Youth organizations. The first promise 
holds adults accountable for reaching out to the young people in our 
community. By mentoring, participating in a big brother/big sister 
program, through peer counseling and even through daily contact with 
our youth, we can communicate that we care. The majority of schools and 
communities across the country are safe places for children to thrive. 
By recognizing the people and organizations in our communities, we show 
our appreciation for living up to the ``promise'' of being caring 
adults and treating our youth with respect.
  No matter what the subject, education is the best hope for any 
child's success. Education comes from all aspects of a child's life--at 
home, at school, in the playground and from every person they know. All 
communities can participate in building a circle of love and 
responsibility around every child.
  Young people are faced with issues today that were unheard of a 
generation ago. In the past, 21 school-related, violent deaths occurred 
in the United States. No child is untouched by challenges and hardships 
that we may not even understand and all children need, more than ever, 
to have caring adults who will listen and support them.
  Children are our future teachers, doctors, farmers, industry workers, 
and political candidates. Celebrating American Youth Day, encourages 
our young people to stand at the helm of their own destiny. As leaders, 
teachers, parents and as friends we can guide children to practice safe 
and respectful behavior, allowing young people to create their own 
identity and character.
  As a former educator, I believe the cooperative effort of parents, 
students, teachers and the community are all necessary to combat the 
current violence is our schools. It is a fact that students with 
attentive and involved parents are less likely to be more successful in 
school while avoiding drugs and violence.
  I support the passage of H. Res. 124, to recognize the importance of 
children and to recognize America's Youth Day and I thank Secretary of 
State Colin Powell for his leadership in creating ``America's Promise 
to Youth.'' Fulfilling the Promises celebrates our youth and the 
strength of all of our communities to provide for a strong future.

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