Weekly Update from Senator John
Ensign
April 14 - 20,
2008:
Recognizing
Autism Awareness Month, Meeting His Holiness Pope Benedict
XVI, Greeting
the Nevada Cherry Blossom Princess
Recognizing
Autism Awareness Month
This
month as we bring light to Autism, we recognize that 1 in 150
people have this disorder. Autism affects people from all backgrounds,
races, and ethnicities; it is blind to wealth, country, and
gender. Early detection and intervention are critical when confronted
with an Autism diagnosis, and I commend the various organizations
dedicated to researching and one day finding a cure for Autism
to help all those who have been diagnosed.
Meeting
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
I
was privileged to attend a greeting ceremony at the White House
for His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI this week. The Holy Father
offered a message reminding us all that, “Freedom is not
only a gift but also a summons to personal responsibility.”
Since the birth of our nation,
we have embraced this as a duty, and this week’s warm
reception by so many lining the streets of our nation’s
capital is recognition that Americans welcome the Holy Father
into their hearts. It was an honor to be one of the many who
gathered to welcome His Holiness Pope Benedict to the United
States at the White House as he inspires millions of people
around the world and offers hope to so many in need.
Greeting
the Nevada Cherry Blossom Princess
This week I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with the Nevada
Cherry Blossom Princess, Jennifer Cooper, at our weekly Constituent
Breakfast, held every Thursday in the Capitol. The Cherry Blossom
Festival is a beautiful two-week event held in Washington, D.C.,
as the cherry blossom trees begin to bloom. The city is awakened
after a cold winter with fragrant pink clouds of blossoms surrounding
the Thomas Jefferson Tidal Basin and various walkways along
the National Mall. I am thrilled that Jennifer, who serves as
a valuable member of my staff as Deputy Press Secretary, was
chosen to represent our state at various embassy events and
public appearances. The cherry blossom trees were presented
to our country as a symbol of friendship from Japan, and I am
thrilled to see that this festival continues to remind us of
this relationship every year.
| |
Sincerely,
John
Ensign
United States Senator |
