[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 82 (Friday, May 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING BIRTH-DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 1, 2020

  Mr. WALDEN. Madam Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me and 
members of Concerned Families in Southern Oregon in recognizing 
``Birth-Day'' on the first day of every May. Since 2012, the Birth-Day 
Project has motivated concerned adults to make an impact on their local 
public and private schools by visiting students and celebrating all 
their birthdays with ice cream sundaes and recreational activities. 
Nearly 10,000 Americans celebrated Birth-Day last year, including 
several of the inaugural members in Grants Pass, OR who first 
recognized Birth-Day as 4th graders nine years ago. In fact, the Birth-
Day Project has been so significant for students and their communities 
that a similar group in the State of New York, Young Life Manhattan, 
now celebrates Birth-Day in schools throughout the Bronx.
  However, this May students that would be wrapping up their school 
year or graduating at school, are instead learning from home and 
practicing social distancing in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Although many students and adults may feel disheartened at missing this 
year's Birth-Day celebration while at school, I ask that they keep in 
mind the sentiment of honoring the birth and life of their fellow 
community members. As the Coronavirus continues to impact our daily 
lives, we must turn to our American values to reinvigorate our 
fortitude as well as own faith in each other during this crisis. The 
Birth-Day Project seeks to bring out the best in us by valuing 
compassion, community, and service to others.
  Once again, l hope my colleagues will join me today, Friday, May 1st 
in building community connectedness all over our great country and 
celebrating the birthdays of young Americans who deserve some cheer and 
support during these trying times. I would personally like to wish a 
happy Birth-Day to all the Oregon students who cannot celebrate at 
school this year. We are all in this together.

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