HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 4661, by Representatives Wylie, Pollet, Ahern, Alexander, Anderson, Angel, Appleton, Armstrong, Asay, Bailey, Billig, Blake, Buys, Carlyle, Chandler, Chopp, Clibborn, Cody, Condotta, Crouse, Dahlquist, Dammeier, Darneille, DeBolt, Dickerson, Dunshee, Eddy, Fagan, Finn, Fitzgibbon, Goodman, Green, Haigh, Haler, Hansen, Hargrove, Harris, Hasegawa, Hinkle, Hope, Hudgins, Hunt, Hunter, Hurst, Jinkins, Johnson, Kagi, Kelley, Kenney, Kirby, Klippert, Kretz, Kristiansen, Ladenburg, Liias, Lytton, Maxwell, McCoy, McCune, Miloscia, Moeller, Morris, Moscoso, Nealey, Orcutt, Ormsby, Orwall, Overstreet, Parker, Pearson, Pedersen, Pettigrew, Probst, Reykdal, Rivers, Roberts, Rodne, Ross, Ryu, Santos, Schmick, Seaquist, Sells, Shea, Short, Smith, Springer, Stanford, Sullivan, Takko, Taylor, Tharinger, Upthegrove, Van De Wege, Walsh, Warnick, Wilcox, and Zeiger

     WHEREAS, Children represent the hopes and dreams we have for a better and brighter future, and remind us that those hopes and dreams are attainable; and
     WHEREAS, Each and every child brings special gifts and abilities with them into the world; and
     WHEREAS, Today's children are tomorrow's leaders and decision makers, whose ideas will be shaped by the experiences of their formative years; and
     WHEREAS, Everyone's life is touched by a child at one time or another, in ways big and small, and each of us has the responsibility to set a good example for the children we meet; and
     WHEREAS, When we embrace children with love and respect, those values are reflected back, and we thus encourage the formation of a caring and compassionate society; and
     WHEREAS, The children of Washington State should always know that they are valued members of our society, and that their opinions and ideas are welcome and respected; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state's 1.5 million children are the future of this state, and it is our duty and privilege to instill in them the faith, hope, charity, and integrity they need to continue the legacy of freedom, peace, and prosperity we have inherited from those who came before us; and
     WHEREAS, The children of the State of Washington should have access to quality education, wholesome recreation, and a safe community; and
     WHEREAS, The House of Representatives welcomes children into the House Chamber so they may witness the legislative process;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize and celebrate the children, youth, and students of Washington state; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage all the citizens of Washington to celebrate children on Children's Day and throughout the year by spending more quality time with children and emphasizing their special place in our lives.

I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of
Resolution 4661 adopted by the House of Representatives
February 20, 2012

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Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk