[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23720]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2000

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong 
support for the families, friends and loved ones of the many, many 
children who pass away every year. Regardless of the cause of death, 
regardless of the location, regardless of the age, a horrendous void is 
created in the lives of those left behind. When a child dies, the 
effect is simply devastating to the family. For those of us who have 
not suffered this pain, it is incomprehensible and different for each 
person--a pain that may dampen in time, but which never fully goes 
away.
  However, there is one thing that the families and loved one of the 
departed have to help them in their time of need--the support of others 
who have suffered a similar loss. Those in the healing process report 
that one of the most effective measures is simply to have a strong 
network of support and encouragement. And this is why I have sponsored, 
along with Mr. Ose of California and Mr. McIntosh of Indiana, this 
resolution recognizing the purposes and goals of a National Children's 
Memorial Day.
  Such is the goal of the Compassionate Friends Organization--a 
national non-profit group that offers friendship and understanding to 
families grieving the death of a child at any stage of development and 
from any cause. As one example, Compassionate Friends offers comfort 
and assistance to families who suffer from the tragedy of stillbirth, 
miscarriage, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S.). Their web 
site identifies symptoms of grief, notes impacts on marriage, discusses 
subsequent pregnancy, and has remarks about coping with family and 
friends and lays out some helpful suggestions.
  Compassionate Friends originated in England in 1969. Their first U.S. 
chapter was founded in 1972. They now have chapters in 24 countries and 
in every state in the nation--nearly 600 altogether. Their mission is 
simply to provide a supportive environment with no religious 
affiliation, no membership dues or fees, and services open to all 
bereaved family members. Compassionate Friends is the impetus for this 
resolution.
  I would like to salute in particular their Executive Director, Mrs. 
Pat Loder, a resident of Michigan's Eleventh Congressional District, my 
district. She has been a driving force behind National Children's 
Memorial Day, this year and in years past. I encourage you to visit the 
Compassionate Friends website at www.compassionatefriends.org and learn 
more about their organization.
  On December 10, Compassionate Friends will hold their fourth annual 
worldwide candle lighting event. Starting in New Zealand, candles will 
be lit for one hour beginning at 7 pm local time, creating a 24-hour 
observance around the globe. This simple act goes a long way to offer 
peace of mind and soul and goes a long way to help those who have lost 
a child, a grandchild, a sibling or a friend, particularly during the 
December holiday season, when the loss is often the most difficult to 
bear.
  For the past two years, the Senate has recognized the second Sunday 
in December as National Children's Memorial Day. And last year the 
House passed a resolution similar to what we are considering here 
today. This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress that 
a National Children's Memorial Day should be established and asks the 
President to issue a proclamation calling on Americans everywhere to 
observe ceremonies and activities which serve to remember these dearly 
departed souls and the grieving families and friends.
  I can assure you, to those families who have lost loved ones, the 
support that we show here, this simple and easy resolution will go a 
long way in helping them cope with their loss. It is important for 
families who have suffered such a loss to know that they are not alone. 
Please help me in passing this joint resolution and express your 
support for this worthy and noble cause.
  We carry the responsibility to honor and remember those who have died 
before their time. And as compassionate, concerned citizens, one of the 
best actions we can take is to honor the souls of the dearly departed 
and to support those who are left behind.
  I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in passing this measure. 
Please show your support to bereaved parents across America.

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