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SENATE
JOINT MEMORIAL 8009
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Passed
Legislature - 1997 Regular Session
State of Washington 55th
Legislature 1997 Regular Session
By
Read first time 02/07/97.
Referred to Committee on Education.
Promoting
the use of the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program in our schools.
TO
THE HONORABLE TERRY BERGESON, SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, AND TO THE
SUPERINTENDENT OF EACH PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IN WASHINGTON STATE:
We,
your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of
Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully represent and
petition as follows:
WHEREAS,
The loss of a child as the result of a firearms accident is a tragic event made
even more so because it is often preventable; and
WHEREAS,
Currently, our nation has approximately sixty to seventy million gun owners and
an estimated two hundred million or more firearms in private ownership that are
potential accidents waiting to happen in the hands of an unsuspecting child;
and
WHEREAS,
In addition, many children play with toy guns that closely resemble real
weapons and watch television programs and movies that routinely portray the
irresponsible and unsafe handling of guns, factors that tend to blur the
distinction between make-believe and reality, and encourage unsafe behavior;
and
WHEREAS,
Fortunately, the National Rifle Association, education professionals, urban
housing safety officials, clinical psychologists, and firearms safety experts
working together have developed a gun safety program designed for children in
prekindergarten through sixth grade; and
WHEREAS,
The Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program teaches the fundamentals of firearms safety
to children in an effective and enjoyable way, emphasizing the correct safety
procedure through numerous activities and materials that include workbooks,
games, a video, class discussion, and role-playing scenarios; and
WHEREAS,
Participating children receive certificates of merit and stickers and posters
of Eddie Eagle, the program's lovable feathered mascot, in addition to
invaluable safety training that could save a life; and
WHEREAS,
Available free or at nominal cost, this worthwhile program is gaining
popularity in many of our state's school districts and police departments; and
WHEREAS,
Teaching children to act safely around firearms is a critical step in the
effort to reduce the number of firearms accidents among children;
NOW,
THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the school districts of the
State of Washington promote the use of the National Rifle Association's Eddie
Eagle Gun Safety Program in our schools to help prevent firearms accidents
among children.
BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately
transmitted to the Honorable Terry Bergeson, Superintendent of Public
Instruction, and to the Superintendent of each public school district in
Washington State.
