[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31550]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ``REQUESTING THAT THE PRESIDENT 
  ISSUE A PROCLAMATION ANNUALLY CALLING UPON THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED 
STATES TO OBSERVE GLOBAL FAMILY DAY, ONE DAY OF PEACE AND SHARING, AND 
                          FOR OTHER PURPOSES''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2009

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to introduce a resolution 
requesting that the President issue an annual proclamation that calls 
upon the people of the United States to observe Global Family Day, One 
Day of Peace and Sharing. Joining me in this effort is the gentleman 
from Ohio, Dennis Kucinich, and I would like to acknowledge him at this 
time.
  Global Family Day, One Day of Peace and Sharing, is an annual 
observance, occurring on January 1st, that was conceived by children to 
further the cause of peace, sharing, and understanding among all 
members of the international community. As the year is coming to a 
close, I introduce this resolution for a few reasons.
  First, I believe it is important that all people, regardless of race, 
culture, religion or economic status, celebrate life on earth together 
as one human family. A global holiday, like Global Family Day, One Day 
of Peace and Sharing, allows people around the world to realize this 
ideal by promoting global fellowship and cooperation.
  A better appreciation for one another can only lead to the 
eradication of human suffering that results from violence, hunger, 
poverty, and other social ills. Practicing better global family values 
at the start of a new year may mean the realization of such concepts of 
goodwill and harmony throughout the year.
  Second, I know that one day dedicated to global peace and cooperation 
is a day that every Member of Congress can support. Despite our 
differences, each of us has an interest in pursuing peaceful solutions 
to many of our contemporary problems. From worldwide hunger, to 
international human trafficking, to widespread religious intolerance, 
we are all impassioned by issues that call for a peaceful resolution to 
achieve a more desirable world.
  Global Family Day, One Day of Peace and Sharing, can be one of the 
vehicles with which we unite to pursue these various missions for 
peace. A resolution calling for the recognition of Global Family Day, 
One Day of Peace and Sharing has always received bipartisan support as 
a bipartisan Congress adopted this resolution in 2000 and 2006. I am 
confident that there will be a similar reception this Congress.
  Finally, while the Congress has adopted this resolution on other 
occasions, in the bipartisan spirit I have just described, we have yet 
to have a President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the 
United States to recognize Global Family Day, One Day of Peace and 
Sharing.
  We ask that the President and the First Family lead the nation in 
observing Global Family Day, One Day of Peace and Sharing on January 1, 
2010. Those participating in the global holiday can be invited to ring 
a bell, share a meal, and make a pledge in the name of peace. Through 
these acts we will become better neighbors within the global community.
  In closing, I ask that my colleagues join me in support of this 
resolution recognizing Global Family Day, One Day of Peace and Sharing 
and requesting that the President lead the country in this holiday's 
recognition. By working together as one global family, we can better 
meet the challenges humanity will surely face in the years to come.

                          ____________________