[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 53 (Thursday, May 2, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING IDAHO'S SENIOR CITIZENS FOR OLDER AMERICANS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2002

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to honor a generation of 
Americans who have made this country what it is today.
  This group learned the value of a dollar when food and jobs were rare 
during the great Depression and built the largest free economy the 
world has ever known.
  This group of people saved the world from tyranny and oppression 
during World War II, illustrating powerful patriotism. Then sent their 
children to continue the fight for freedom in subsequent conflicts.
  They survived the Bay of Pigs, the Beatles, disco-mania and Big Macs.
  They've adapted to a changing world . . . starting school doing math 
problems with slates and chalk, to punching calculators, to utilizing 
computers, and then becoming one of the highest percentage of people to 
surf the Internet.
  Most of all they've shown generations how to live with dignity, 
change a world and enhance a Nation--they are the United States' older 
Americans.
  During the month of May, we'll honor their commitment and service to 
our country. In my home state of Idaho, thousands of senior citizens 
voluteer countless hours in classrooms, churches, small businesses, 
public parks, and service organizations. I recently attended a 
recognition luncheon for senior volunteers where just 755 volunteers 
gave more than 124,000 hours of service. They're grandparents, 
neighbors, and friends. Despite all they've given to us, they're still 
not done. Today, I honor that continuing sense of community that drives 
our seniors and respectfully thank older Americans for all they've 
contributed, and continue to contribute, to our great Nation.

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