[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 44 (Friday, April 7, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY

 Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the 
millions of young people across the United States--and in other 
countries--who will participate in National Youth Service Day on April 
21, 2006. There is no doubt that communities will continue to be 
positively impacted by the dedication and kindness of children that 
participate in this annual celebration.
  Earlier this week, the Senate enacted S. Res. 422, which designated 
April 21, 2006, National and Global Youth Service Day. I was proud to 
be a cosponsor of this resolution, which we unanimously passed. 
However, I am even more proud of the thousands of youth in my native 
Colorado who will participate in National Youth Service Day.
  In Timnath, second graders at Timnath Elementary School are holding a 
schoolwide donation drive. During this drive, they will be collecting 
shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes to be donated to the local 
food bank to give to individuals in need.
  In Thornton, volunteer youth are organizing an afternoon of service 
for frail, disabled, and chronically ill seniors throughout Adams 
County by helping them with the maintenance of their homes and gardens. 
They will clean up yards, garages, and homes, and work to beautify 
their community. This valuable service will be performed in conjunction 
with the local Big Brother/Big Sister program.
  In Aurora, the Mile High Youth Corps will help the Denver Urban 
Gardens fix up their farm. The Denver Urban Gardens is one of the only 
organic farms in the Denver Metro area which offers unique educational 
opportunities and low-cost organic food to people of all economic 
levels. Youth volunteers will seed, weed, till, paint, plant, fix, 
mend, build, and any other valuable and needed volunteer activities to 
keep the farm in shape.
  These are just a few examples of the incredible volunteer efforts 
that are occurring throughout Colorado. I thank the volunteers, and all 
of the staff and organizers of National Youth Service Day.
  Speaking directly to the youth participating in National Youth 
Service Day, in Colorado and around the world, I commend your service 
and thank you for the positive difference you will make not only in the 
lives of the people you help directly, but for all the people within 
your neighborhoods and communities.
  I would also like to remind you that your service and commitment is 
needed not just for just a few days but year round. I encourage you to 
carry forth your excitement, energy and goodwill into the future. I 
urge you to turn your sense of civic responsibility into a habit that 
will last for a lifetime.
  The youth participating in National Youth Service Day today are our 
future doctors, lawyers, police officers, senators, parents, and 
community leaders of tomorrow. Instilling an early sense of service, 
involvement and dedication toward the betterment of their neighbors and 
communities is essential to continuing the caring and compassionate 
tradition embraced in America.

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