[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 16, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S9505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 196--DESIGNATING DECEMBER 14, 2003, AS ``NATIONAL 
                       CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY''

  Mr. REID (for himself, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Voinovich, Mrs. Clinton, Ms. 
Cantwell, Mr. Breaux, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Hollings, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Levin, 
Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Allen, Ms. Murkowski, Ms. Collins, Mr. Akaka, Mrs. 
Hutchison, and Mrs. Lincoln) submitted the following resolution; which 
was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                              S. Res. 196

       Whereas approximately 80,000 infants, children, teenagers, 
     and young adults of families living throughout the United 
     States die each year from a myriad of causes;
       Whereas the death of an infant, child, teenager, or young 
     adult of a family is considered to be one of the greatest 
     tragedies that a parent or family will ever endure during a 
     lifetime;
       Whereas a supportive environment, empathy, and 
     understanding are considered critical factors in the healing 
     process of a family that is coping with and recovering from 
     the loss of a loved one: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY.

       The Senate--
       (1) designates December 14, 2003, as ``National Children's 
     Memorial Day''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to observe 
     ``National Children's Memorial Day'' with appropriate 
     ceremonies and activities in remembrance of the many infants, 
     children, teenagers, and young adults of families in the 
     United States who have died.

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution that 
would designate December 14, 2003 as ``National Children's Memorial 
Day.'' This resolution would set aside this day to remember all the 
children who die in the United States each year.
  The Senate has passed a similar resolution for each of the past five 
years in order to ensure that families who have lost children know that 
their loved ones--and their grief--are not forgotten. Whether a child's 
death is sudden or anticipated, from illness or from accident, the 
grief of the families who loved them is unimaginable for all who have 
not shared their tragedy.
  Today, we reaffirm that a child's death is a loss not only for one 
family, but for all of us, and we grieve together. By passing this 
resolution and sharing a day of remembrance, we can remind families who 
have lost children that they are not alone.

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