[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 29, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 124--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 28, 2003, AS ``NATIONAL 
                          GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY''

  Mr. BURNS (for himself, Mr. Baucus, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Cochran, Mr. 
Crapo, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Miller, Mr. Levin, Mr. Kohl, and Mr. Stevens) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 124

       Whereas while our society has developed highly effective 
     means of speedy communication around the world, it has failed 
     to ensure communication among individuals who live side by 
     side;
       Whereas the endurance of human values and consideration for 
     others is of prime importance if civilization is to survive; 
     and
       Whereas being a good neighbor to those around us is the 
     first step toward human understanding: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 28, 2003, as ``National Good 
     Neighbor Day''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States and interested 
     groups and organizations to observe National Good Neighbor 
     Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, today I am introducing a resolution 
designating September 28, 2003 as National Good Neighbor Day. I would 
like to thank my colleagues Senators Baucus, Hatch, Stevens, Crapo, 
Clinton, Miller, Levin, Kohl, and Cochran, for their support. I would 
also like to thank Becky Mattson of Lakeside, Montana, who has taken 
this cause to heart and championed it for so long.
  In the aftermath of September 11th, Americans united in an 
unprecedented way. With the threat of terrorism still very real, it has 
never been so important to remain unified and conscious of the concerns 
of our neighbors.
  This resolution has a long history. This resolution was first 
proposed by a fellow Montanan, Senator Mike Mansfield, in 1971. 
National Good Neighbor Day was then proclaimed by Presidents Nixon, 
Ford, and Carter because, as President Nixon explained, ``the 
responsibility for building a happier, livelier, fuller life in each of 
our communities must rest, in the end, with each of us.''
  This bipartisan resolution will set aside a day to promote a better 
understanding and appreciation of our neighbors. However, in the trying 
times in which we now live, it will hopefully serve as a catalyst for 
making every day National Good Neighbor Day.

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