A JOINT MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE FIRST SATURDAY OF AUGUST AS "YOUTH DAY" AND REQUESTING NEW MEXICO'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO PURSUE FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF THE DAY.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is blessed to have more than five hundred thousand people under the age of eighteen among its population; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's youth should be encouraged to participate in socially and culturally appropriate activities that reinforce positive behavior by strengthening their bonds with their parents, guardians and mentors; and

     WHEREAS, providing New Mexico's youth with a positive means of self-expression; strong, confident and appropriate role models; and methods to promote a healthy family structure will benefit all of New Mexico's residents as today's youth become tomorrow's strong leaders; and

     WHEREAS, the designation of a "Youth Day" in New Mexico could lead to national recognition of such a day and would provide young people everywhere with the opportunity to receive the support, congratulations and positive acknowledgment that can help them achieve their dreams; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Bill Richardson by proclamation has recognized the first Saturday of August to be "Youth Day";

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it recognize the first Saturday of every August to be "Youth Day" and that all New Mexicans be encouraged on that day to recognize and celebrate the contributions that New Mexico's youth make each day to our state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of New Mexico's congressional delegation be requested to pursue the federal designation of the first Saturday of every August to be "Youth Day"; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the members of the state's congressional delegation.