Max Baucus: “I introduce a resolution to designate the fourth Sunday of each September as National Good Neighbor Day. Back in the…”

“I introduce a resolution to designate the fourth Sunday of each September as National Good Neighbor Day. Back in the 1970's, a wonderful lady from Montana named Becky Mattson came up with the idea of National Good Neighbor Day. She observed that technology was allowing the world to grow closer together. Television allowed individuals to learn about new cultures and ways of life. Wide use of the telephone was allowing people to communicate from across the globe. However, people were becoming less likely to get to know their next-door neighbor. She concluded that, as a nation, we should place greater emphasis on the importance of community and being a good neighbor. Becky believed that kids who were taught to be good neighbors would become adults who were good neighbors and that a day dedicated to this cause would be a catalyst to encourage families to be good neighbors. Becky was successful in her efforts and with the help of the late Senator Mansfield, three presidents--President Carter, President Ford, and President Nixon proclaimed the fourth Sunday of September National Good Neighbor Day. Now, in the aftermath of the events of September 11, Americans have united in an unprecedented way. Strangers, friends, colleagues, classmates, and family have exhibited the best of the human spirit in the face of enormous tragedy.”