[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5483]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF THE AMERICA IN BLOOM PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2002

  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important 
contribution of the America in Bloom program to communities across the 
nation.
  America in Bloom is a national beautification contest that began last 
year with the participation of four cities across the United States. 
This unique program helps to foster community involvement, patriotism 
and civic pride through the challenge of a friendly competition between 
participating communities across the country. The contest is judged on 
the basis of eight categories, including tidiness, environmental 
awareness, heritage, urban forestry, landscaped area, floral displays, 
turf and ground cover areas and, most importantly, community 
involvement.
  This year, the contest will again provide communities with a forum to 
increase civic pride and community involvement through the challenge of 
a national evaluation. The program has registered almost thirty 
communities to date, including Batavia, Illinois, which I am proud to 
represent.
  It is my hope that more communities will take part in this program as 
it brings together citizens of all ages, municipal governments and 
local organizations to work collectively for the visual improvement of 
America's parks, neighborhoods, open spaces and streets. This can only 
encourage the preservation of our collective heritage and culture while 
creating a sense of unity and pride among citizens.

                          ____________________