[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9028]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         NATIONAL CHILD'S DAY: A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'S CHILDREN

 Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to thank my colleagues 
for joining me in this recognition of America's children. Last night, 
our body passed an important resolution, affirming the sacred role of 
children in our society.
  I have often heard the phrase ``every day is children's day.'' Sadly, 
this is not always the case. There are too many children in America who 
are hungry, abused, neglected, and abandoned. Despite the best efforts 
of our parents, our foster parents, and our social services networks, 
not all children feel that they are loved and valued.
  Today, the United States Senate has taken a monumental step towards 
recognizing the merit and worth of all of our children.
  We already give special tribute to the efforts of our mothers and 
fathers. On both Mother's Day and Father's Day, we honor the hard work 
and sacrifices which parents make on behalf of their children and 
families. These are days where we pay homage to our parents, both 
acknowledging and giving thanks for their contributions to both society 
and home.
  I am pleased that June 4, 2000, will be National Child's Day--a day 
during which parents and friends alike can affirm the love we share for 
our children. This will be a day devoted to our youth, reminding 
children and ourselves of the special, blessed place which they have 
within both our hearts and our lives.
  I would like to give special recognition to those organizations whose 
tireless efforts greatly aided in the success of this resolution, 
specifically Ms. Lee Rechter, Executive Director of FOCUS (Friends of 
Children United Succeed) and Mr. David Levy, Director of the Children's 
Rights Council.
  Mr. President, National Child's Day provides a wonderful opportunity 
for us to celebrate America's children. But, we must also remember that 
every day should indeed be children's day. Let our expression of love 
and appreciation for our youth not be confined to a single day, but be 
shared with them on June 4th and always.

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