[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E791-E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA ON THEIR 90TH ANNIVERSARY AND 
        PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2002 GOLD AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2002

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today to 
join the Connecticut's Girl Scouts, and troops nationwide, as they 
celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America and the 
presentation of the Girl Scouts highest honor, the Gold Award. This 
tremendous organization has provided a unique and important experience 
to millions of young women in America and abroad.
  In 1912 a group of eighteen girls assembled and, with a idea well 
before its socially acceptable time, Juliette Gordon Law called to 
order the first meeting of what has grown to become one of the most 
well-known and respected organizations for girls in the world. Today, 
the Girl Scouts can boast of a membership of just under four million 
young girls and adults.
  The Girl Scouts organization promotes an important message for young 
women: that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop 
physically, mentally, and spiritually. Girl scouting empowers our young 
women to realize their full potential while making a contribution to 
our communities. The variety of activities and programs that they 
participate in teach them invaluable life lessons--lessons that they 
will carry with them into their adult and professional lives. Reaching 
beyond socioeconomic and geographic barriers, the Girl Scouts of 
America have touched the lives of millions of young women--many some of 
our nation's most vulnerable citizens. The self-confidence and 
determination that all Girl Scouts develop is truly invaluable.
  Perhaps the most important idea that these young women take away from 
their girl scouting experience is the value in serving their 
communities. Our communities would not be the same without the efforts 
of those who volunteer their time and energy to its enrichment. I am 
always amazed at the consistency of the stories I read of our local 
troops actively involved in reshaping the many towns and cities of my 
congressional district. Whether volunteering to raise funds for a new 
playground or becoming mentors for other young girls, they have a 
direct and positive impact on our community--one of which they should 
all be very proud.
  The Gold Award is the highest distinction earned by a Girl Scout and 
each of those honored today should be proud of their accomplishments. 
These young women have demonstrated a strong commitment to their 
communities through the service programs in which they have 
participated. This recognition reflects their hard work and dedication 
to the Girl Scouts and to improving the lives of their friends and 
neighbors.
  The Girl Scouts of America have left an indelible mark on our nation 
as well as across

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the globe. For 90 years, the Girl Scouts have given our communities an 
invaluable resource for young girls. I am proud to join today in 
expressing my sincere congratulations to them on this incredible 
milestone as well as to all of those who will be honored with the Gold 
Award.

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