[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          A TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IN AFGHANISTAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, The first day of school is a 
memorable day for parents. The image of our daughters and sons, small 
packs on their backs, lunchboxes at their sides, leading us through the 
doors of their new classrooms is one not forgotten by any parents. The 
image reflects our hope for them as they embrace a new role in their 
communities and their nation.
  The compact between a nation and a child is simple. The nation 
prepares the child to accept the mantle of its stewardship. The nation 
educates a child, providing the tools that the child will later use to 
further the progress of the nation.
  The nation that does not honor this compact is a nation disgraced. 
The nation that establishes, expands, or renews this compact deserves 
recognition. This is what I seek to do today as I rise in tribute to 
the events of March 23, the first day of school for many of the girls 
of Afghanistan.
  I offer my deep appreciation to all those who made this day possible. 
Their unwavering conviction that this compact would one day be honored 
in Afghanistan was realized March 23. These parents, teachers, and 
international aid workers labored tirelessly to provide books and 
supplies for schools in communities across Afghanistan.
  Through their education, the children of Afghanistan will gain a 
greater understanding of the people within their nation's border and 
knowledge of the world beyond them.
  On March 23, parents in Afghanistan heard the sound of doors swinging 
open and their children walking determinedly through them. Echoed in 
this, I can hear my daughter walking through the door of her elementary 
school many years ago. I join with parents around the world who share 
the joy and pride and overwhelming hope of the parents of Afghanistan 
to honor of this great occasion: their children's first day of school.

                          ____________________