[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 45 (Monday, April 24, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              VOLUNTARISM

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the 
volunteers of St. Francis Medical Center and St. Francis North Hospital 
in Monroe, LA. Beginning April 23 and ending April 29, this great 
organization will observe National Volunteer Week. Today, I would like 
to spend a few moments highlighting the importance of their efforts.
  Sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center 
National Network, National Volunteer Week began in 1974. President 
Richard Nixon signed an executive Order establishing an annual 
celebration of volunteering. Every President since then has signed a 
proclamation promoting and recognizing National Volunteer Week during 
the third week of April. The theme for this year, ``Inspire by 
Example,'' reflects the opportunity volunteers have to bring joy and 
hope to the people they serve, as well as to inspire others to serve.
  National Volunteer Week allows volunteer centers, nonprofits, 
hospitals, faith-based organizations, and schools to recognize their 
own volunteers and support thousands of service projects in the 
community. This week, America has the pleasure of celebrating more than 
64 million volunteers who use their time and talent daily to make a 
real difference in the lives of the children, adults, and elderly whom 
they serve.
  I applaud the volunteers of St. Francis Medical Center and St. 
Francis North Hospital in Monroe for their continued service to the 
citizens of their community. Their hard work and dedication is 
something we all appreciate and celebrate as we recognize National 
Volunteer Week.

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