Orrin Hatch: “I rise today in support of families and S. Res. 160 that dedicates October 2001 as Family History Month. The concept of…”

“I rise today in support of families and S. Res. 160 that dedicates October 2001 as Family History Month. The concept of designating October as Family History Month began several years ago. According to the National Genealogical Society, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia all passed ``proclamations'' in the last few years declaring October as Family History Month. Within the last month some 14,167,329 people researched their family history and 24 million people have used the Web and email to locate family or friends with whom they had lost touch. Researching ancestry is a very important component to self identity. It can lead to long- sought-after family reunions or allow for life saving medical treatments that only genetic links will allow. At present there are some 2,500 genealogical societies in the United States that represent approximately one million people. Genealogy is currently the 2nd largest hobby in the country and is very unique in that it crosses over all religions, ethnic backgrounds, and age groups. Essentially, we are all immigrants to this country. Our ancestors came from different parts of the globe and by searching for our roots, we come closer together as a human family. Researching family history has now moved into the digital age with the advent of the Internet.”