Larry Pressler: “all parents understand the pride and joy we have in our children. They are the apple of our eyes, our most precious…”

“all parents understand the pride and joy we have in our children. They are the apple of our eyes, our most precious resource, our future, and our hope. Today I rise with many of my colleagues to submit a bipartisan resolution declaring the second Sunday in October, ``National Children's Day.'' National Children's Day is about hope--the hopes we have for children and the hope they should have for themselves. We live in a rapidly changing world--a world of difficulties and uncertainties for many children. Many children growing up today must overcome tremendous obstacles and challenges, such as drug and alcohol abuse, illiteracy, poverty, pregnancy, physical abuse, absentee parents, and neighborhood violence. How does the future appear for children who do not have a supportive, nurturing environment? To some, the future is uncertain and dark. According to the Children's Defense Fund, 15.7 million children lived in poverty in 1993 and every 98 minutes a child was killed in 1992. Children need nurturing, guidance, time, understanding and the reassurance of a childhood and hope in their future. The fortunate children receive all the love and support they need. However, many children do not receive the appreciation they deserve. Children are our most precious human resource, for they hold our future in their hands, hearts, and minds.”