THIS IS A PLEDGE THAT CAN SAVE LIVES

Like many other important documents, a pledge is merely a piece of paper.
Its strength lies not in the material on which it is printed, but in the
heart of the person who signs it.

Tonight at a meeting in Long Beach, parents will have the opportunity to
sign a pledge that they won't allow alcohol or other illicit drugs to be
served to minors in their homes or on their property. Parents who cannot
attend may use the facsimile below.

This promise has greater importance in light of information that has been
gathered and shared by concerned parents and city leaders during the past
year. Among other things, it became clear that parents' dismissive
attitudes contribute to earlier and more serious addictions. It also became
clear that illegal substance use is more widespread and involves younger
children than most adults realized or would admit.

Results of a confidential drug survey taken recently by Long Beach students
will be released at the meeting, which will be at 6 p.m. at the Adult
Education Center at the University of Southern Mississippi-Gulf Coast.

Most of us would be willing to put our lives on the line to save our
children. Putting our names on the line as responsible parents is but a
small sacrifice.