[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IDAHO WINNER

                                 ______


                         HON. MICHAEL D. CRAPO

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 1994

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. Speaker, I bring to my colleagues' attention the 
following VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program Idaho winner:

                      ``My Commitment to America''

                       By Amy Bice, Idaho Winner

       Dear Journal: July 18, 1993: I am standing on granite steps 
     in Arlington Cemetery, one face in a crowd of many, 
     witnessing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the 
     Unknown Soldier. Due to fortunate circumstances, it will soon 
     be my turn to participate in the ceremony as a member of an 
     Honor Guard assigned to lay a wreath on the tomb. The flag 
     waves overhead while a bugler plays taps. As the wreath is 
     placed, a voice deep within tells me how blessed I am to live 
     in the United States of America.
       July 19, 1993: Today I stand before a long black wall, 
     helping a friend find the inscription of her father's name. 
     Suddenly a war that took place long ago in the far-off 
     country of Vietnam becomes a reality and surfaces as tears. I 
     say a silent prayer of gratitude for all who have died and 
     lived to defend my country.
       July 20, 1993: This can't really be happening!! Here I am, 
     a girl from small town USA, sitting in the Rose Garden of the 
     White House! Hold on, here he comes! Now he's shaking my 
     hand. A light flashes as the President of the United States 
     and I are captured on film for posterity. I nervously babble, 
     ``It's a pleasure for you to meet me, Mr. President.''
       So reads my journal describing the most incredible week of 
     my life, all of it made possible through the voluntary 
     service of a national women's group. These women freely gave 
     their time, money and effort, to provide young people like me 
     the opportunity to experience government first hand and gain 
     appreciation for this country. Their selfless service changed 
     the course of my life. Now I am determined to contribute all 
     that I can to assist and uplift others--because I know that 
     by serving one another, America will be strenthened.
       Evidence of service is all around us. Every day citizens 
     assist others by providing food for the homeless, visiting 
     nursing homes or reading to the blind. In addition, service 
     is our heritage. Betsy Ross was, after all, an ordinary woman 
     who could sew; Paul Revere a talented silversmith. Both 
     simply gave service to causes in which they believed.
       Although I am only one young woman, there is much I can do 
     to carry on the tradition of assisting those around me. 
     Service is not only a goal for the future, but an action I 
     must take now--in the present, because the future is built on 
     the actions of today. But where does one young person begin? 
     The obvious place to start is within the circle of my own 
     influence--within my school and community.
       Dear Journal: August 14, 1993: I volunteer as a youth 
     worker for a Gubernatorial candidate. By distributing flyers 
     and hanging banners. I feel I am serving other youth and 
     motivating them to play an active role in government.
       October 12, 1993: I continue tutoring Special Education 
     students. Last week I arranged for dates, flowers, and 
     dinners so that two Down Syndrome teenagers could experience 
     a formal high school dance. After a night of laughter and 
     dancing, the excitement in the eyes of the kids said it all.
       Such are the journal entries that reveal my continuing 
     commitment to strengthen America. I may never hold public 
     office or determine public policy, but I know I can 
     contribute significantly to the country I love.
       I can only envision an entry in the journal of my future.
       May 2, 2011: I continue acting on the wise counsel once 
     given by Edward Hale. I first heard it way back in 1993: ``* 
     * * because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do 
     the something that I can do.'' That something for me is 
     service * * * my commitment to America.

                          ____________________