[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
JULIE WILLIS OF GADSDEN IS ALABAMA WINNER OF VOICE OF DEMOCRACY CONTEST

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                            HON. TOM BEVILL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 22, 1994

  Mr. BEVILL. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to 
congratulate my constituent, Julie Willis of Gadsden. She was selected 
as the Alabama winner of the Voice of Democracy broadcast scriptwriting 
contest, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 
and its Ladies Auxiliary.
  Julie's script, entitled ``My Commitment to America,'' is very 
patriotic and thought-provoking. She did an outstanding job and I am so 
pleased that her talents have been recognized.
  Julie is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. C. Richard Willis of Gadsden, 
and an honor student at Emma Sansom High School.
  I respectfully submit her script to be printed here in the Record.

                        My Commitment to America

       I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of 
     America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation 
     under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice, for all. 
     What does that mean? Is it just something we say? Is it just 
     a routine we go through? Is it just a bunch of meaningless 
     words? Not to me! To me it is much more! It is my privilege, 
     my duty, my way of life. It is my commitment to America!
       I pledge allegiance to the flag. The flag that is a lasting 
     symbol of freedom to all Americans. It has carried us through 
     a Revolutionary War, a Civil War, two World Wars, and most 
     recently the Gulf War. The flag is our banner of truth. It 
     flies proudly over cities all across America and proclaims 
     the stability and constancy of our nation. It displays the 
     rich legacy that we have been given and represents all that 
     our forefathers fought so desperately to preserve! I pledge 
     my allegiance to that flag, the symbol of my freedom.
       I pledge allegiance to the Republic. A Republic that is 
     viewed, by many countries, as the greatest nation in the 
     world. But, America is not a perfect nation. After all, 
     perfection is something for which we strive. It is the ideal 
     for which we seek. America is imperfect because people are 
     imperfect. But its people are also what make America great! 
     Brave people, loyal people, determined people, compassionate 
     people. Americans! I pledge my allegiance to that Republic, 
     the Republic of the people.
       I pledge allegiance to one nation under God. The prosperity 
     that America has experienced is not a common occurrence. I 
     truly believe that America's fortune is an example of God's 
     Providence. America was founded on the principles of freedom, 
     specifically religious freedom. Our forefathers tried to 
     follow the pathway that they believed had been set before 
     them. I believe that God paved that pathway. I am confident 
     that God's hand has been on this mighty nation for over 200 
     years, and that He will continue to bless and lead us if we 
     look to Him for guidance. We must remember that in God we 
     trust.
       I pledge allegiance to liberty and justice, for all. 
     Liberty is the right or power to believe and act in the way 
     one thinks. Justice, according to the dictionary, is the 
     upholding of what is lawful.
       These two virtues have become a way of life in America. 
     When people think of America, they think of liberty and 
     justice, for all. As Americans we maintain that all men are 
     created equal--equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal 
     justice under the Law. We are convinced that freedom is not a 
     benefit that should be limited to the few. I pledge my 
     allegiance to liberty and justice, for all!
       My commitment to America is not just a speech I say every 
     morning at school, it is a sincere feeling within my heart. I 
     did nothing to merit the rich heritage of freedom, liberty 
     and equality that I possess--but I vow to show my deep 
     appreciation for this providential blessing and to preserve 
     it for future generations. As Langston Hughes once said, ``Oh 
     let my land be a land where liberty be crowned with no false 
     patriotic wreath but opportunity is real and life is free and 
     equality is in the air we breathe.''

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