Thomas Daschle: “Every year on the 30th day of April, nations throughout the world, especially in Latin America, honor and celebrate the…”

“Every year on the 30th day of April, nations throughout the world, especially in Latin America, honor and celebrate the importance of children to families and communities. Many Latino families honor their children on this day by celebrating El Dia de los Ninos in their homes. Today, nearly 45 million children under the age of 18 reside in the United States, and one in four of these children are of Hispanic descent. The El Dia de los Ninos holiday provides a wonderful opportunity for all Americans to pay tribute to those who represent the future of our great country--our Nation's youth. A growing number of cities, schools, libraries, museums, churches, and other community organizations across the nation observe this holiday by planning activities and events that celebrate children. While El Dia de los Ninos recognizes the importance of children, the holiday also provides an occasion to shed light on the unique challenges currently facing Latino children in America. Every day nationwide, 751 Latino children are born into poverty; 518 are born without health care; and 561 Latino high school students drop out of school. As every parent knows, our children are a gift we have been given in exchange for a commitment to put their well-being above all else. It is our covenant to meet our children's needs before our own and to work and plan so that they may have a better future.”