[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 83 (Thursday, June 20, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL SERVICE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 20, 2002

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
National Service Day, a day on which we commemorate those who are 
committed to civic duty and helping their communities. National Service 
represents opportunity, responsibility and community.
  In 1992, when President Bill Clinton was launching his dream of 
national service, he said, ``We need a new spirit of community, a sense 
that we are all in this together, or the American Dream will continue 
to wither. Our Destiny is bound up with the destiny of every other 
American.'' Less than a year later, his dream was realized.
  I was pleased to support the National and Community Trust Act in 
1993, which created AmeriCorps, a domestic national service program 
founded on the framework of Federal, State and local partnership.
  Since the inception of AmeriCorps, over 200,000 Americans have been 
able to serve their country, and more importantly, their communities.
  I am proud that many citizens have been able to take advantage of 
serving in AmeriCorps. I am also proud that many of my constituents 
have chosen to give back to their communities in many different ways.
  In the Commonwealth of Virginia, over 18,000 citizens of all ages and 
backgrounds are participating in over 90 national service projects, 
which include coordinating after-school programs, building homes and 
organizing neighborhood watch groups.
  I am pleased to say, that this year, the Corporation for National 
Service will provide Virginia with more than $6 million dollars to 
support Virginia communities through three national service 
initiatives: AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve America, and National Senior 
Service Corps.
  After September 11th, much has been said about ``giving back to our 
communities'' in a time of national crisis, and I strongly believe that 
Americans want to continue this trend, even when the present threat is 
gone.
  When citizens are deeply-rooted to their communities, when they have 
seen with their own eyes the positive impact that their service has 
made on their communities, and when these same communities are boosted, 
national service has served its very local purpose.
  I am proud, Mr. Speaker, to recognize National Service Day, and honor 
those who represent the true American ideals of opportunity, 
responsibility and community.

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