[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21571]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



    AN AMERICAN YOUTH DAY CELEBRATION--ANCIENT CITY KIDS' DAY, ST. 
                           AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2001

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, in April, I introduced a resolution to 
encourage communities nationwide to observe an annual American Youth 
Day. In June the U.S. House of Representatives passed that legislation 
by unanimous vote.
  American Youth Day seeks to promote local and national activities 
that fulfill the five promises of America's Promise--the Alliance for 
Youth, which was founded by Secretary of State Colin Powell. America's 
Promise calls for a concerted effort from every segment of society to 
address the most notorious difficulties facing the youth of America. 
The five promises to America's youth include (1) fostering ongoing 
relationships with caring adults; (2) providing safe places with 
structured activities during non-school hours; (3) building a healthy 
start and future; (4) teaching marketable skills through effective 
education; and (5) providing opportunities to give back through 
community service.
  This past Saturday, the Fourth Congressional District hosted its own 
version of American Youth Day as part of St. Augustine's Ancient City 
Kids' Day in St. Augustine, Florida. St. Augustine's Ancient City Kids' 
Day brought together children's service agencies and businesses in 
celebration of the St. Johns County's commitment to the well-being of 
its children. Our nation's oldest city showed its youngest citizens how 
special they are.
  I was proud to join over 50 organizations that provided information 
for parents and fun and games for the children. Ronald McDonald was 
there to make us laugh. Lisa Mack emceed entertainment provided by 
Pak's Karate Club and the Saints Cheerleading Squad. The Puppet Man put 
on shows, the Junior Women's Club helped children make hats, and the 
Communities in Schools program held a basketball tournament and read 
stories to youngsters.
  The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, the Fire Department and EMS 
all had equipment displays for the more than 3,500 visitors to view and 
admire. Other groups, like EPIC Community Services and Project 
Northland, had marble painting, baseball tosses and an obstacle course. 
It was a carnival atmosphere founded on family fun.
  St. Johns Ancient City Kids' Day is exactly the type of event that we 
need across America to highlight our children and the groups and 
individuals who give of their time and money to guide them.
  I salute our nation's oldest city on their unselfish commitment to 
our youth and challenge all the great cities in America to establish 
their own youth day celebrations.

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