[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 GIRL SCOUTS USA COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 13, 2009

  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support for H.R. 621, the Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin 
Act. The Girl Scouts of the USA is an outstanding organization 
dedicated to nurturing young women in the leadership skills they will 
undoubtedly utilize in their futures.
  Founded in 1912 in Savannah, GA by Juliette Gordon, Girl Scouts of 
the USA has magnanimously carried out its mission to ``build girls of 
courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better 
place.'' In fact, this organization has grown very large over its 97 
year history to include 3.7 million Girl Scouts, 2.7 million girl 
members, and 928,000 adult members who serve as volunteers. Further, 
Girl Scouts has become a global organization including 236,000 troops 
and groups in over 90 countries.
  Girl Scouts are known nationwide for their delicious cookies; 
however, this organization does much more than baking for the lives of 
young women. While various activities and youth groups teach basic 
skills and promote teamwork, Girl Scouting goes beyond that and 
encourages youth to achieve a deeper appreciation for service to others 
in their communities. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Girl 
Scouting promotes activities that lead to personal responsibility and 
high self-esteem. As a result, when hard decisions must be made, peer 
pressure can be resisted and the right choices can be made.
  Madam Speaker, from the beginning of the Girl Scout program as a 
Daisy to the eventual completion of the program and attainment of the 
rank of Ambassador, Girl Scouts of the USA has long trained young women 
in the necessary skills that will enable them to be the future leaders 
of the United States. The young women in this organization complete 
``journeys'' that enlighten them on social issues, promote community 
service, and instill in them the necessary confidence and courage to 
have a bright and successful future. I applaud the efforts and the 
accomplishments of all of our nation's Girl Scouts, and specifically 
those of the 11th District of Georgia, which is my privilege to 
represent in Congress. I urge all of my colleagues to continue to 
support this honorable organization and the excellent young women that 
it continues to produce.

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