[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 64 (Friday, April 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS HIGHLIGHTED THROUGH NATIONAL VOLUNTEER 
                                  WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2007



 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 20, 2007--On Page E819 the following appeared: SPEECH OF 
HON. RAHM EMANUEL OF ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Friday, April 20, 2007
  
  The online version should be corrected to read: SPEECH OF HON. 
RAHM EMANUEL OF ILLINOIS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, 
April 17, 2007


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  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
293, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Volunteer 
Week. This bill recognizes the beneficial effects of volunteerism in 
our Nation, and thanks the millions of individuals who have generously 
donated their time for charitable efforts.
  Volunteerism is a hallmark of a civil and compassionate society, and 
since 1974, National Volunteer Week has consistently encouraged and 
supported the charitable and selfless contributions of America's 
volunteers. From the men and women feeding the hungry at the Chicago 
Food Depository to the volunteers that master information about 
Chicago's museums and cultural institutions, these individuals deserve 
our thanks for all of their hard work.
  Last year alone, over 61 million Americans offered their time and 
effort to volunteer in a myriad of ways. These individuals recognized 
the vital importance of lending a helping hand to beneficent causes and 
donated their time and efforts in order to make a difference in their 
communities.
  The striking importance of volunteerism was highlighted in the 
recovery efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf 
Coast. The communal effort extended after these disasters exemplified 
the American spirit of fellowship and altruism, and provided the 
crucial support necessary to begin rebuilding homes and business in 
this battered region.
  National Volunteer Week promote's these selfless acts and raises 
awareness of the need for personal involvement within America's 
communities. For this reason I celebrate and support this institution.
  Madam Speaker, as we observe National Volunteer Week, I wish to 
express my gratitude and appreciation for all of the efforts of our 
Nation's volunteers. Their work reflects the gracious and humanitarian 
character of the American Nation, and provides countless hours of 
service to valuable community organizations. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in voting in favor of H. Res. 293, in order to recognize the 
volunteers of America and National Volunteer Week.

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