[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 24946]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  20TH ANNIVERSARY OF POINTS OF LIGHT

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I stand today to recognize and honor an 
extraordinary organization that began its important work 20 years ago, 
born from the words of a new President who was dedicated to engaging 
the American spirit of giving and service. The words of that President 
resonate even now: ``I have spoken of a thousand points of light . . . 
a new engagement in the lives of others, a new activism, hands-on and 
involved that gets the job done.'' This 1989 speech given by President 
George H.W. Bush outlined the vision for the Points of Light 
Foundation, now merged with HandsOn Network as the Points of Light 
Institute, the largest volunteer network in the country.
  This independent, nonpartisan organization has worked to encourage, 
recognize, and empower the spirit of volunteer service that is encoded 
in our Nation's cultural DNA and is, as President Bush stated, central 
to living a meaningful life.
  Throughout our Nation's history, Americans have demonstrated their 
willingness to give back and to serve in their communities, even in the 
hardest of times. Last year alone, over 60 million Americans performed 
volunteer service in this country. I am proud that my home State of 
Utah had the highest volunteerism rate, with over 45 percent of adults 
volunteering in the State in 2008. All told, these volunteers 
contributed almost 162 million hours of service in a single year.
  Earlier this year, I had the privilege of joining with my good 
friend, the late Senator Ted Kennedy in sponsoring the Edward M. 
Kennedy Serve America Act, a new law that expands volunteer 
opportunities for Americans of all ages. I know that the Points of 
Light Institute will be at the forefront in realizing the full 
potential of this important legislation, creating healthy communities 
by inspiring and equipping willing Americans to do more of the heavy 
lifting in their communities as we all work to improve our Nation.
  Mr. President, I once again commend the Points of Light Institute on 
this landmark anniversary.

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