[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 118 (Wednesday, September 20, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9848-S9849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 577, submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 577) designating September 24, 2006, 
     as ``National Good Neighbor Day.''


[[Page S9849]]


  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, today, September 19, 2006, I join with my 
colleague from Montana, Senator Baucus, in cosponsoring a resolution to 
designate September 24, 2006 as National Good Neighbor Day. I am proud 
to promote positive, meaningful friendships between citizens as part of 
a long-established tradition begun in 1971 by one of Montana's own 
citizens.
  National Good Neighbor Day was started by Becky Mattson of Lakeside, 
MT with the intent of fostering a strong community of friendship and 
interaction between neighbors. This day also serves to facilitate 
communication between senior citizens and children. So often the 
communications between America's greatest generation and our youngest 
citizens is not as strong as it could be, yet, Ms. Mattson has found a 
way to help encourage that important dialogue.
  Ms. Mattson began this tradition by doing what so many Montanans and 
Americans do: she wrote a letter to her Senator. That letter, to 
Senator Mike Mansfield, was met with great enthusiasm and as result, 
the National Good Neighbor Day has become an annual event, taking place 
on the fourth Sunday of September. Her efforts have been recognized by 
countless individuals, and have even been recognized through 
proclamations by three United States Presidents: Carter, Ford and 
Nixon. In addition, governors of many States have issued proclamations 
of Good Neighbor Day as well.
  In the spirit of Ms. Mattson, I encourage my colleagues in the Senate 
and in our communities to reach out and be a good neighbor. I urge 
children to visit with senior citizens and to share their life 
experiences. The efforts of each person matters, not just on this day, 
but everyday, and will make our communities stronger. I am proud of Ms. 
Mattson, and thank her for her contribution in making us all good 
neighbors.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating 
thereto be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 577) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 577

       Whereas our society has developed highly effective means of 
     speedy communication around the world, but has failed to 
     ensure meaningful communication among people living across 
     the globe, or even across the street, from one another;
       Whereas the endurance of human values and consideration for 
     others are critical to the survival of civilization; and
       Whereas being good neighbors to those around us is the 
     first step toward human understanding: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 24, 2006, as ``National Good 
     Neighbor Day''; and
       (2) calls on the people of the United States and interested 
     groups and organizations to observe National Good Neighbor 
     Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

                          ____________________