[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8623]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  GIRL SCOUTS OF THE OUACHITA COUNCIL

 Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, honest and fair. Friendly and 
helpful. Considerate and caring. Courageous and strong. For 80 years, 
the Girl Scouts of Ouachita Council have worked to instill these values 
into the girls of central and southeast Arkansas. On April 14, 2007, 
they will gather together to celebrate this impressive anniversary, and 
I want to take this time to celebrate with them. Their tireless 
commitment to the young women of our State has helped bring out the 
best in the daughters of Arkansas, and we owe them a great deal of 
thanks for this important work.
  With the stated mission of building girls of courage, confidence and 
character, the Girl Scouts of America started as a group of just 18 in 
Savannah, GA, in 1915. And as the Scouts have grown up along with the 
country, their cause has lost none of its relevance or necessity. They 
have brought those simple, yet noble ideals to all parts of the Nation 
and now proudly claim a membership of more than 3.6 million.
  Through the Girl Scouts, young women develop a sense of civic 
responsibility and self-esteem that helps them realize the critical 
role they have to play in their communities and their country. Similar 
ideals were taught to me at an early age by my family and have helped 
to motivate and inspire me throughout my career.
  Years ago, my mother told me, ``It's a fact, not a fault, that we 
haven't had more women in elected office. It's just the way history 
turned out. But it's our fault if we don't do something to change that 
and to bring more women into government and the future.''
  Today, I am proud to be one of 16 women serving in the Senate--the 
largest class of women Senators in American history. Across the 
country, we see women taking more active leadership roles not only 
politics, but business, education and science. We have built on the 
great foundation that was laid for us by generations past, and it is 
our responsibility to these courageous leaders to continue momentum 
forward. This is especially true in Arkansas as we carry on legacy of 
Hattie Caraway, the first woman ever elected to the Senate and a 
trailblazer for women in politics.
  There is still much left to do, and the unyielding commitment of 
groups like the Girl Scouts will prepare the next wave of great 
American women to the benefit of their communities and country. Once 
again, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and most 
sincere thanks to the Ouachita Council for 80 years of service to the 
girls of Arkansas.

                          ____________________