[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 42 (Thursday, March 12, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1493-S1494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA

 Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I wish to honor Girl Scouts of the 
USA. As the proud father of two Girl Scouts, I join them as they 
celebrate Girl Scout Day. On this day in 1912, Juliette Gordon Low 
founded the first Girl Scout troop with just 18 girls in Savannah, GA. 
Over 100 years later, Girl Scouts serves 2 million girls and has 59 
million alumnae across the United States.
  Juliette Gordon Low believed that all girls should be given the 
opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. Gordon 
sought to bring girls out of isolated home environments and into 
community service in order to become well rounded members of society. 
By building courage, confidence, and character, Girl Scouts raised 
awareness on important issues. They became leaders and made their way 
into American hearts.
  Girl Scouts today participate in numerous activities that foster and 
strengthen their leadership abilities, financial literacy, outdoor and 
environmental awareness, and teach them the value of service. They 
learn new skills that help them develop their full individual 
potential, and take action to improve the world around them. Girls who 
earn the Gold Award, the highest achievement a Girl Scout can earn,

[[Page S1494]]

take extraordinary steps to effect positive change and make a 
sustainable impact in their communities and beyond.
  Today's Girl Scouts are tomorrow's leaders. Former Girl Scouts are at 
the top of their fields in science, media, medicine, business, and 
politics. With one-half of the women in the 114th Congress being former 
Girl Scouts, it is evident that Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, 
confidence and character.
  On this Girl Scout Day, I wish to applaud the work of Girl Scout 
councils throughout Michigan and across our country. Their commitment 
to diversity and service, tied with their dedication, makes them true 
leaders of society.

                          ____________________