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Rep. Shelley Berkley Offers Bill to Commemorate National Children's Memorial Flag Day
For more information, contact
Joyce Johnson
Phone: 804/492-4519
Cell: 703/980-7641
E-mail: jjohnson@cwla.org
April 30, 2001, Washington, D.C. --
The U.S. House of Representatives today voted unanimously to pass a bill offered by Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV-1) to raise awareness of violence against children. Berkley's bill encourages national, state, and local agencies, as well as private organizations to fly the Children's Memorial Flag to remember children lost to violence, and to raise public awareness of the problem of violence against children. The flag depicts six figures of children holding hands. The middle child is represented by a chalk outline, symbolizing the devastating loss of young lives.
"Almost daily, we are reminded of the violence that plagues our nation and kills our children," said Berkley. "From the needless and tragic deaths in our streets, to the awful pain of abuse and neglect, too many children are dying. As the richest, most capable, and most compassionate country in the world, we must do more. By reminding ourselves of the children we have lost, perhaps we can begin to save those children who still need our help."
 According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, 10 children died as a result of gunfire every day during 1998. The National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse notes that three children die every day in the United States as a result of child abuse or neglect, and in 1993, the U.S. accounted for 73% of childhood homicides among the 26 richest nations.
"I want this day to remind us that we must do a better job of keeping our children safe," explained Berkley. "Children are the most vulnerable members of our society, and we have an obligation to guide and protect them. If we are going to bring an end to violence against children, we are all going to have to work together in a community effort that bridges every one of our social, ethnic, racial, and religious boundaries."
Tomorrow, all 50 State governments and the District of Columbia will participate in National Children's Memorial Flag Day. Many states are flying or displaying the Children's Memorial Flag on, or near, their State capitol. Other states are participating by issuing proclamations. In Nevada, the Children's Memorial Flag will be flown over the Nevada State Capitol, Las Vegas City Hall, and the Clark County Government building.
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