Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to show my strong support for National Night Out. This year, over 30 million people in 9,700 communities in all 50 states will celebrate National Night Out. Each year, National Night Out is our nation's night to say no to crime and help take back and preserve the safety of our neighborhoods.
In 1984, the Executive Director of The National Association of Town Watch, Matt A. Peskin, introduced National Night Out. Searching for a way to heighten the awareness and strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts, Mr. Peskin believed that a high profile, high-impact crime prevention event was needed.
In the first year of the event, over 2.5 million Americans in 400 communities across 32 states participated by turning on their porch lights. Today, while the front porch vigil remains a custom, National Night Out now includes block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs, rallies and safety meetings. This year's event will prove to be a bigger success than ever and I am pleased to announce that many of the communities of California's 27th Congressional District will be proud participants.
The communities of my district will call on their residents to participate in this national show of solidarity. Whether it is through large gatherings, community walks, small neighborhood vigils or a lighted porch light, the residents of the 27th District have always made a commitment to safe neighborhoods and streets.
Such an evening proves an opportune time to celebrate and thank our local police and fire departments. The men and women of these departments spend each day helping to ensure our safety and it is only with their help that we will be able to ensure the long-term safety of our children and our neighborhoods. On this night in particular, they deserve our respect and our praise for their dedication to serving all of us.
It is with all this in mind, that I ask all Members to join me in their strong support of National Night Out--America's night to support safe neighborhoods and safe communities.