HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2013-4621, by Representatives Chopp, DeBolt, Alexander, Angel, Appleton, Bergquist, Blake, Buys, Carlyle, Chandler, Clibborn, Cody, Condotta, Crouse, Dahlquist, Dunshee, Fagan, Farrell, Fey, Fitzgibbon, Freeman, Goodman, Green, Habib, Haigh, Haler, Hansen, Hargrove, Harris, Hawkins, Hayes, Holy, Hope, Hudgins, Hunt, Hunter, Hurst, Jinkins, Johnson, Kagi, Kirby, Klippert, Kochmar, Kretz, Kristiansen, Liias, Lytton, MacEwen, Magendanz, Manweller, Maxwell, McCoy, Moeller, Morrell, Morris, Moscoso, Nealey, O'Ban, Orcutt, Ormsby, Orwall, Overstreet, Parker, Pedersen, Pettigrew, Pike, Pollet, Reykdal, Riccelli, Roberts, Rodne, Ross, Ryu, Santos, Sawyer, Schmick, Scott, Seaquist, Sells, Shea, Short, Smith, Springer, Stanford, Stonier, Sullivan, Takko, Tarleton, Taylor, Tharinger, Upthegrove, Van De Wege, Vick, Walsh, Warnick, Wilcox, Wylie, and Zeiger

     WHEREAS, The House of Representatives recognize that our children represent the future of our state, nation, and world; and
     WHEREAS, This body has celebrated Children's Day since 1995 to commemorate the special place children hold in our hearts and communities, and to remind us to keep children central to our efforts; and
     WHEREAS, Every child offers the world unique talents and abilities, and it is our responsibility to cultivate an environment where children can apply their strengths and achieve their potential; and
     WHEREAS, Everyone's life is impacted by children through family, friendship, mentorship, or work; and
     WHEREAS, We impact those children's lives in return, and we should do so with honesty and kindness; and
     WHEREAS, Parents play a special role in their child's life as a teacher and friend whose unconditional love and unwavering support are the most cherished gifts a child can receive; and
     WHEREAS, Every child deserves the chance to succeed, and their future success depends on education and guidance from early childhood onward; and
     WHEREAS, No child should ever go hungry or unloved; and
     WHEREAS, The former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, once said, "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children"; and
     WHEREAS, This body recognizes that in order to thrive as a state and nation we must empower children through policies that foster their success;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives celebrate the children of the State of Washington and encourage all of its citizens to celebrate children on Children's Day as well as throughout the year by nurturing them with love, attention, and encouragement, in order to keep our communities strong.