The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“SMOKEY THE BEAR'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S8803 on July 22, 2004.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SMOKEY THE BEAR'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY
The resolution (S. Res. 404) designating August 9, 2004, as ``Smokey Bear's 60th Anniversary'' was considered and agreed to as follows:
S. Res. 404
Whereas Smokey Bear's service to the United States for 60 years has protected the Nation's forests above and beyond the call of duty;
Whereas Smokey Bear has been dedicated to educating Americans of all ages and particularly America's youth, the future stewards of our forests, about the need for vigilance concerning forest health and wildfires;
Whereas Smokey Bear's message of vigilance can also be applied to the need (1) to remove unnatural accumulations of hazardous fuels from the public forests of the United States;
(2) to clear defensible space around homes and escape routes in the wildland-urban interface; and (3) to suppress forest fires that threaten communities or valuable natural resources;
Whereas the Smokey Bear campaign is the longest running public service campaign in the history of the United States;
Whereas Smokey Bear was the first individual animal ever to be honored on a postage stamp;
Whereas the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture is committed to increasing public information and awareness about wildfires and forest protection;
Whereas the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture is devoted to changing the public's behavior concerning wildfires in an effort to maintain and protect the natural resources and wildlife of the United States; and
Whereas the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Advertising Council have provided extraordinary support and dedication to the purpose and efforts of Smokey Bear: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates August 9, 2004, as ``Smokey Bear's 60th Anniversary''; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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