[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E434-E435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 25, 2014

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the important role 
that the Boys & Girls Clubs of America play in communities across the 
country. This week, in celebration of National Boys & Girls Club Week 
and to highlight their successes in the areas of academic achievement, 
good character, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles, representatives 
from Boys & Girls Clubs will be here in Washington for their first 
annual Boys & Girls Clubs Day of Advocacy.
  Mr. Speaker, I was a member of the local Boys Club in my youth, as 
were many others who have served in government and as leaders in our 
economy, the law, the arts, the sciences, education, and the military. 
Like mine, their Boys & Girls Clubs experiences instilled lessons about 
citizenship, character, and both personal and social responsibility 
that continue to guide them today in their careers and in their service 
to our country. Those who participate in the Clubs today are given the 
opportunity to learn about their country, community, and the world, to 
develop positive behaviors that nurture a healthy life and outlook, and 
to challenge themselves as future leaders.
  Every year, I am proud to join the Boys & Girls Clubs for their 
annual gathering, where I have the opportunity to meet those who are 
named Youth of the Year finalists and hear about their service projects 
and their aspirations for the future. I look forward to joining them 
again this year to reflect on my own experiences as a Boys & Girls Club 
alumnus and to meet the next generation of leaders for our country.
  Frederick Douglass, from my State of Maryland, once said: ``It is 
easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.'' This 
continues to be the guiding principle behind the Boys & Girls Clubs of 
America. It is more than an organization; it is a movement to inspire 
young people to recognize the potential in themselves and the 
contributions they can make as members of their communities, as 
citizens of our country, and as citizens of the world.
  I join once again in saluting the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for 
the extraordinary work they do across our country every day. I hope my 
colleagues will join me in thanking the organization and in sending a 
strong message of support for our Nation's youth.

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