[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my strong support for 
National Night Out. This year, over 30 million people in 9,700 
communities in all 50 states will celebrate National Night Out. Each 
year, National Night Out is our nation's night to say no to crime and 
help take back and preserve the safety of our neighborhoods.
  In 1984, the Executive Director of The National Association of Town 
Watch, Matt A. Peskin, introduced National Night Out. Searching for a 
way to heighten the awareness and strengthen participation in local 
anti-crime efforts, Mr. Peskin believed that a high profile, high-
impact crime prevention event was needed.
  In the first year of the event, over 2.5 million Americans in 400 
communities across 32 states participated by turning on their porch 
lights. Today, while the front porch vigil remains a custom, National 
Night Out now includes block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, 
neighborhood walks, safety fairs, rallies and safety meetings. This 
year's event will prove to be a bigger success than ever and I am 
pleased to announce that many of the communities of California's 27th 
Congressional District will be proud participants.
  The communities of my district will call on their residents to 
participate in this national show of solidarity. Whether it is through 
large gatherings, community walks, small neighborhood vigils or a 
lighted porch light, the residents of the 27th District have always 
made a commitment to safe neighborhoods and streets.
  Such an evening proves an opportune time to celebrate and thank our 
local police and fire departments. The men and women of these 
departments spend each day helping to ensure our safety and it is only 
with their help that we will be able to ensure the long-term safety of 
our children and our neighborhoods. On this night in particular, they 
deserve our respect and our praise for their dedication to serving all 
of us.
  It is with all this in mind, that I ask all Members to join me in 
their strong support of National Night Out--America's night to support 
safe neighborhoods and safe communities.

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