[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Pages 11534-11535]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         DESIGNATING JUNE 6, 1999, AS ``NATIONAL CHILD'S DAY''

  Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 111, 
introduced earlier today by Senator Graham and others.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 111) designating June 6, 1999, as 
     ``National Child's Day.''

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, this resolution designates the first 
Sunday of June as National Child's Day.
  Our children are our future. Over 5 million children, however, go 
hungry at some point each month. There has been a 60 percent increase 
in the number of children needing foster care in the last ten years. 
Many children today face crises of grave proportions, especially as 
they enter their adolescent years.
  The designation of National Child's Day helps us to focus on our 
children's needs and recognize their accomplishments. It encourages 
families to spend more quality time together and highlights the special 
importance of the child in the family unit.
  In these crucial times, it is important that we show our support for 
the youth of America. It is our hope that this simple resolution will 
foster family togetherness and ensure that our children receive the 
attention they need and deserve.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in designating the first Sunday in 
June as National Child's Day.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the 
resolution be printed in the Record.
  Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be

[[Page 11535]]

agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that 
any statements relating thereto be placed in the Record at the 
appropriate place as if read.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 111) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, is as follows:

                              S. Res. 111

       Whereas June 6, 1999, the first Sunday in the month, falls 
     between Mother's Day and Father's Day;
       Whereas each child is unique, a blessing, and holds a 
     distinct place in the family unit;
       Whereas the people of the United States should celebrate 
     children as the most valuable asset of the United States;
       Whereas the children represent the future, hope, and 
     inspiration of the United States;
       Whereas the children of the United States should be allowed 
     to feel that their ideas and dreams will be respected because 
     adults in the United States take time to listen;
       Whereas many children of the United States face crises of 
     grave proportions, especially as they enter adolescent years;
       Whereas it is important for parents to spend time listening 
     to their children on a daily basis;
       Whereas modern societal and economic demands often pull the 
     family apart;
       Whereas, whenever practicable, it is important for both 
     parents to be involved in their child's life;
       Whereas encouragement should be given to families to set 
     aside a special time for all family members to engage 
     together in family activities;
       Whereas adults in the United States should have an 
     opportunity to reminisce on their youth to recapture some of 
     the fresh insight, innocence, and dreams that they may have 
     lost through the years;
       Whereas the designation of a day to commemorate the 
     children of the United States will provide an opportunity to 
     emphasize to children the importance of developing an ability 
     to make the choices necessary to distance themselves from 
     impropriety and to contribute to their communities;
       Whereas the people of the United States should emphasize to 
     children the importance of family life, education, and 
     spiritual qualities;
       Whereas because children are the responsibility of all 
     people of the United States, everyone should celebrate 
     children, whose questions, laughter, and dreams are important 
     to the existence of the United States; and
       Whereas the designation of a day to commemorate the 
     children will emphasize to the people of the United States 
     the importance of the role of the child within the family and 
     society: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates June 6, 1999, as ``National Child's Day''; 
     and
       (2) requests the President to issue a proclamation calling 
     on the people of the United States to observe the day with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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