[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 123 (Monday, October 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONSTITUTION WEEK AND CIVIC EDUCATORS

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                         HON. KENNY C. HULSHOF

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 4, 2004

  Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, the Constitution states: ``This great 
nation of ours was founded in order to form a more perfect Union, 
establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common 
defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of 
Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.''
  These words echo the principles that have served our nation well for 
the past 228 years. It is of paramount importance that today's youth 
have a firm grasp of the principles and ideals outlined in this 
hallowed document.
  Mr. Speaker, as you may know, President Bush declared September 17th 
through September 23rd Constitution Week to commemorate the September 
17, 1787 signing of the Constitution. I rise today to recognize 
Constitution Week and to honor civic education leaders and programs 
that have played an integral role in educating Missouri's youth about 
the Constitution.
  One exemplary program worthy of particular praise is We the People: 
the Citizen and Constitution. This program educates students in junior 
high and high school on the merits of a Constitutional democracy and 
discusses the material in a manner that provides relevance to the 
students and creates a model for student civic life.
  I want to draw particular praise for Millie Aulbur, who is the 
Director of Law-Related Education for the Missouri Bar. She has been a 
pillar in the civic education community, and her diligent work and 
strong leadership have vastly improved civic education programs in my 
home state. Likewise, she has been extremely effective in raising 
awareness of this issue with Missouri's Congressional delegation. 
Millie has recently succeeded in establishing a coalition of civic 
education leaders, known as the Advisory Committee for Civic Education 
of the Missouri Bar. I have known Millie since before coming to 
Congress, having served with her in the Missouri Attorney General 
office. I can say unequivocally that she is one of the finest and hard-
working individuals I know. Her commitment to civic education and 
Missouri's youth is highly commendable.
  Without these civic education programs and leaders, we run the risk 
that future generations of Americans will lack knowledge of the 
document upon which our democracy is based. Millie Aulbur's efforts set 
a fine example, and I urge my colleagues to learn more about civic 
education programs in their Congressional districts and to assist these 
valued civic educators in this noble endeavor.

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