[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16113]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


       HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF GRANDPARENTS TO OUR FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mrs. WILSON of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 
many contributions grandparents make to families in New Mexico and 
throughout this country. Grandparents are the ties to our heritage, 
culture and traditions. Grandparents keep the family history alive by 
sharing stories of how life ``used to be'' and how so much of life is 
the same. They can teach values and expectations through their own 
experiences. Grandparents have seen this nation at peace and war, and 
witnessed tremendous advances from the industrial age to the space age. 
They were there during outstanding performances in sports, the arts, 
and advancements in virtually every endeavor that mankind has pursued.
  I can recall vivid memories of time I spent with my grandparents. 
Like so many grandparents, they were great teachers. Whether it is 
teaching the secret family recipes or the value of a good, honest days 
work they share their wisdom with children they love.
  National Grandparents Day was first celebrated in 1978, the first 
Sunday after Labor Day. There will be many celebrations on Sunday, 
September 8, 2002 as families and friends gather to show their respect 
and gratitude to grandparents. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring 
grandparents in New Mexico and throughout the United States for their 
contributions to our families and our country.

                          ____________________