[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 24290]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL DAY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

  Mr. PRYOR. Madam President, I rise today with great pleasure to 
commend an exceptional group of my constituents and acknowledge 
September 12, 2007, as the National Day of Encouragement. The concept 
behind the National Day of Encouragement was developed in June 2007 as 
part of the National Leadership Forum at Harding University in Searcy, 
AR.
  The National Leadership Forum, NLF, was composed of a group of 
enterprising high school students from around the country who were 
challenged to think of constructive ways to help their respective 
schools. One group said that discouragement or ``the lack of 
encouragement'' was the biggest problem they faced in school as well as 
in society today. From there, the idea of an official Day of 
Encouragement as a possible solution was born.
  According to Andrew Baker, the codirector of NLF, the students chose 
September 12 as the National Day of Encouragement in hopes of 
``balancing the discouraging feelings of 9/11''. The goal was to 
``challenge people not to just think about the idea of encouragement 
but to do something that will encourage someone else.''
  Since the conception of the National Day of Encouragement, grassroots 
efforts have been working towards creating a real sense of 
encouragement in cities, schools, places of employment, and homes. Even 
the smallest gesture such as a smile, a pat on the back, or a kind 
word, has the ability to communicate love and compassion that can raise 
spirits and spur motivation, especially on a day like September 12.
  Americans have endured great hardship and heartbreak as a result of 
the terrorist attacks, but this has not broken our faith, courage and 
an unshakable commitment to freedom, democracy and, most importantly, 
each other. Yesterday, we remembered the tragedy of September 11, and 
we honored its victims. Today, we honor the victims again by 
remembering the sacrifices made by thousands of Americans to help the 
victims of the attacks and their families. Their acts of kindness and 
generosity inspired and encouraged the entire Nation.
  I encourage my fellow colleagues, citizens of all ages, as well as 
those in schools, organizations, businesses, and media outlets, to 
encourage others on this day, through an act of service, a thoughtful 
letter, or words of kindness and inspiration to thereby boost the 
overall morale of all.
  I would also like to commend the extraordinary group of high school 
students who participated in the National Leadership Forum this year. 
They have shown the ability to analyze critical issues with insight and 
intellect, and it is an honor to stand here before you today and 
recognize all of them and their accomplishments.
  I yield the floor.

                          ____________________