[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 102 (Thursday, July 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE NATIONAL EXCHANGE CLUB'S FIGHT AGAINST CHILD ABUSE

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                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2009

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Madam Speaker, I rise to commend the National Exchange 
Club and the Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beaches Exchange clubs on 
their continuing commitment to fight child abuse and to recognize those 
in our communities who fight against it on a daily basis. Members 
remind me that ``These are America's children and this is America's 
responsibility.''
  From July 14-18, 2009, local and national leaders and concerned 
citizens will gather at Metropolitan Park for a Healing Field flag 
memorial. At that time, 1530 American flags will be flying. Each flag 
will be in honor of a child abuse victim. 146 of the flags represent 
children of Florida. The display will be a colorful reminder that child 
abuse is a national problem, and we all must work to prevent it.
  During this weeklong event, flags will also fly to honor 
Jacksonville's fallen military in the current conflict, and fallen 
police and fire officers.
  Also at this time, the 91st annual convention of the National 
Exchange Club will be hosted in Jacksonville. Club members will erect 
the display and maintain this awe-inspiring memorial during the 
convention. This patriotic display was established by the Healing Field 
Foundation to shine light on an ugly subject--child abuse in America.
  Recently, at one of my local Exchange Clubs, I congratulated those 
who work in the field to prevent child abuse on their commitment to 
children from families who often are in fragile situations. Talk about 
unsung heroes! For every child who finds a sanctuary, hundreds are 
living day-to-day in often precarious situations. The flags represent 
those who paid a terrible price for something they did not do. These 
children depend on you and me to become aware and help extend them a 
lifeline.
  My wife Kitty and I are concerned about the growing problem of child 
abuse not only in America but across the globe. As the economic 
situation worsens, it is our fear that more children will become 
victims. I hope that families in Jacksonville will go to Metropolitan 
Park with their children and experience this moving and patriotic 
display. None of us can do this alone but there is tremendous strength 
in our combined actions. It is too late for those memorialized in the 
Healing Field but for more of our children life is a risky business.
  The National Exchange Club and its local clubs are willing to step 
forward to illuminate a growing problem in our nation. I hope that the 
Healing Field will move us to action. I thank the Speaker for the time 
to address the House on this important issue.

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