[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Pages 10480-10481]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 109--DESIGNATING THE SECOND SUNDAY IN THE MONTH OF 
DECEMBER AS ``NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY'' AND THE LAST FRIDAY IN 
         THE MONTH OF APRIL AS ``CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL FLAG DAY''

  Mr. REID (for himself, Mr. Edwards, Mrs. Murray, and Mr. Cleland) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 109

       Whereas approximately 80,000 infants, children, teenagers, 
     and young adults of families living throughout the United 
     States die each year from myriad causes;
       Whereas the death of an infant, child, teenager, or young 
     adult of a family is considered to be 1 of the greatest 
     tragedies that a parent or family will ever endure during a 
     lifetime;
       Whereas a supportive environment, empathy, and 
     understanding are considered critical factors in the healing 
     process of a family that is coping with and recovering from 
     the loss of a loved one; and
       Whereas April is National Child Abuse Prevention month: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY 
                   AND CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL FLAG DAY.

       The Senate--
       (1) designates the second Sunday in the month of December 
     as ``National Children's Memorial Day'' and the last Friday 
     in the month of April as ``Children's Memorial Flag Day''; 
     and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to--
       (A) observe ``National Children's Memorial Day'' with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities in remembrance of the 
     many infants, children, teenagers, and young adults of 
     families in the United States who have died; and
       (B) fly the Children's Memorial Flag on ``Children's 
     Memorial Flag Day''.

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution which 
would designate the second Sunday in December as ``National Children's 
Memorial Day.'' The resolution would set aside this day to remember all 
the children who die in the United States each year. While I realize 
the families of these children deal with the grief of their loss every 
day, I would like to commemorate the lives of these children with a 
special day as well.
  The Senate has passed a resolution for each of the past three years 
to designate the second Sunday in December as ``National Children's 
Memorial Day.'' This year, the resolution I am introducing would 
establish this day as an annual observance. The parents and family 
members of the children who have died deserve the comfort of knowing 
that they will always have a special day set aside to honor the memory 
of their loved ones.
  The death of a child at any age is a shattering experience for a 
family. I have had many constituents share their heart-wrenching 
stories with me about the death of their son or daughter. I have heard 
heroic stories of kids battling cancer or diabetes, and tragic stories 
of car accidents and drownings. Each of these families has had their 
own experience, but they must all continue with their lives and deal 
with the incredible pain of losing a child. By establishing a day to 
remember children that have passed away, bereaved families from all 
over the country will be encouraged and supported in working through 
their grief. It is important to families who have suffered such loss to 
know that they are not alone.
  In addition, this year, I have added a provision to designate the 
fourth Friday in April as ``National Children's Memorial Flag Day'' in 
recognition of children who have died as a result of violence. April 
has been designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an annual 
tradition started by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. Many State and 
local governmental agencies and private organizations already fly

[[Page 10481]]

the Children's Memorial Flag on the fourth Friday in April to remember 
children lost to violence. Recognizing this day is another way we can 
commemorate the lives of children.

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