[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16921]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 16921]]

RECOGNIZING IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES AND SUPPORTING 
                 GOALS AND IDEAS OF NATIONAL YOUTH DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BILL McCOLLUM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2000

  Mr. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support H. Con. Res. 375 
to recognize an ``American Youth Day.'' This legislation, which I 
introduced with strong bipartisan support, recognizes the importance of 
America's youth and supports the ideas and goals of an American Youth 
Day. The bill encourages such organizations as General Colin Powell's 
group, America's Promise.
  American Youth Day is about recognizing our youth and providing them 
with the role models and skills they need to be successful. By 
investing in our nation's most valuable resource--our children--we help 
create a better future for all of us. H. Con. Res. 375 recognizes and 
supports a nationwide Youth Day to be observed annually on a Saturday 
near the beginning of the school year, with the date to be specifically 
determined by the local community.
  The concept of this legislation was inspired by one of my 
constituents, retired Navy Captain George Marshall Bates, who has 
advocated the establishment of an American Youth Day since the 1960's. 
While Captain Bates' proposal is broader and more encompassing in 
specificity than this Resolution, the ideals and principle objectives 
are the same and I am very fortunate to have had his assistance in 
producing this legislation. Captain Bates is a distinguished retired 
Navy JAG officer, and the youth of this nation are the beneficiaries of 
his persistence and effective advocacy of this cause.
  The resolution acknowledges that today's oppressive influences on 
youth include violence, drugs, abuse and even stress. Regardless of 
economic status, ethnic or cultural background, or location, our youth 
feel the pressures of contemporary society.
  The resolution also acknowledges the wonderful efforts of America's 
Promise--The Alliance for Youth, led by General Colin L. Powell, United 
States Army (retired). America's Promise is one of the Nation's most 
comprehensive nonprofit organizations dedicated to building and 
strengthening the character and competence of youth by mobilizing 
communities around the nation to fulfill the organization's ``Five 
Promises'' for America's young people. American Youth Day seeks to 
promote local and national activities that fulfill the five promises of 
America's Promise, which are as follows:
  1. Ongoing relationships with caring adults;
  2. Safe places with structured activities during non-school hours;
  3. A healthy start and future;
  4. Marketable skills through effective education; and
  5. Opportunities to give back through community service.
  In order to secure a future for our youth, Americans must spend time, 
share traditions, and communicate values to children. Often it is even 
more important to make a special effort to do this during teen years. 
Many youth live in single parent homes and seldom get the nurturing and 
guidance of a complete family; for them the time mentors take to spend 
with them in immensely important. This bill encourages local schools 
and communities across the nation to highlight our children and share 
their successes and give them the attention and encouragement so many 
miss by participating in an American Youth Day. I hope my colleagues 
will join in me in supporting this important and worthwhile endeavor.

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