[Pages S10489-S10490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 590--DESIGNATING THE SECOND SUNDAY IN DECEMBER 2006, 
    AS ``NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY'' IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 
            COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS WORLDWIDE CANDLE LIGHTING

  Mr. VITTER submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 590

       Whereas approximately 200,000 infants, children, teenagers, 
     and young adults of families living throughout the United 
     States die each year from a myriad of causes;
       Whereas stillbirth, miscarriage, and the death of an 
     infant, child, teenager, or young adult are considered some 
     of the greatest tragedies that a parent or family could ever 
     endure;

[[Page S10490]]

       Whereas a supportive environment, empathy, and 
     understanding are considered critical factors in the healing 
     process of a family that is coping with and recovering from 
     the loss of a loved one;
       Whereas the mission of The Compassionate Friends is to 
     assist families working towards the positive resolution of 
     grief following the death of a child of any age and to 
     provide information to help others be supportive; and
       Whereas the work of local chapters of The Compassionate 
     Friends provides a caring environment in which bereaved 
     parents, grandparents, and siblings can work through their 
     grief with the help of others: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the second Sunday in December 2006, as 
     ``National Children's Memorial Day'' in conjunction with The 
     Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting;
       (2) supports the efforts of The Compassionate Friends to 
     assist and comfort families grieving the loss of a child; and
       (3) calls upon the people of the United States to observe 
     National Children's Memorial Day with appropriate ceremonies 
     and activities in remembrance of the many infants, children, 
     teenagers, and young adults of families in the United States 
     who have died.

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