[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 79 (Friday, June 14, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL SMALL CITIES DAY

  Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, today is National Flag Day, and it is 
appropriate that we all pause to honor this important symbol of 
American Freedom. The National League of Cities has designated this 
day, June 14, 2002 as second annual National Small Cities Day to call 
attention to the role of small cities and towns in American life.
  The vast majority of cities throughout our Nation have populations of 
fewer than 50,000 people. These communities play an essential role in 
nurturing families, cultivating values, and building a strong sense of 
commitment and connection. In fact, the theme for National Small Cities 
Day is building quality communities by making decisions by choice and 
not by chance.
  Millions of Americans live better lives because small cities provide 
services and programs that meet the needs of their citizens. In the 
wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, millions of Americans have 
looked to the leaders of their small communities to help ensure their 
safety and security by working in partnership with other levels of 
government.
  Businesses, civic organizations, and citizens across the nation are 
partners in building quality communities and must be encouraged to 
continue to support efforts that make these cities and towns better 
places in which to live. The Federal government, too, must continue to 
be a good partner by supporting important efforts that help strengthen 
communities, such as the Community Oriented Policing Program, the 
Community Development Block Grant program, and funds for local 
terrorism preparedness programs.
  We must continue to work together and look for ways to further 
strengthen our small cities and towns through creativity, innovation, 
and collaboration.
  I join the National League of Cities and the Small Cities Council in 
encouraging President Bush, my Congressional colleagues, state 
governments, community organizations, businesses, and citizens to honor 
the efforts of ``small town America'' today and renew our commitment to 
work together on this day and in the future to build quality 
communities that improve the lives of citizens throughout the nation.

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