[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 41 (Friday, April 15, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 15, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        MY COMMITMENT TO AMERICA

                                 ______


                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 1994

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following for printing 
in the Congressional Record.

                        My Commitment To America

               (By Jamey Duhamel, Post 2509, Palmer, AK)

       America, and for what it stands, has made me proud since I 
     was old enough to understand the meaning of this land. Being 
     a very open-minded person, I am grateful to have been born in 
     a melting pot of diverse people, where opportunity is what 
     you make of it, and where second chances are in abundance. 
     This nation means to me the freedom to live our individual 
     lives. The freedom to share our lives with others. The 
     freedom to learn what makes every person wonderful in their 
     own right.
       As a child, I was always respectful when chanting the 
     Pledge of Allegiance with my classmates. With my right hand 
     across my heart, the vow range with truth in my ears. It 
     wasn't until I was older, however, that I learned of the 
     glory behind those words. The days of western expansion are, 
     for me, a time of dedication, hardship, and triumph. A time 
     for new beginnings and a taming of the wild land. Today, we 
     reap the fruits of freedom that the frontiersman gave their 
     lives to sow.
       Everyday I learn something new. Whether it be about this 
     great nation, or about electron microscopes, I am never 
     sheltered from a storm of knowledge that showers me in my 
     high school classrooms. Ever since I was born, my parents 
     have instilled in me the desire to achieve my potentials. 
     America gives this opportunity to me through my education. 
     Therefore, my commitment to America is expressed in my 
     continued learning. By bettering myself and my volume of 
     knowledge, I fell I can contribute to the betterment of 
     America. With this in mind, I have become an avid learner. In 
     today's highly competitive world, I am taking advantage of 
     the wonderful opportunity given to me by the United States of 
     America. I am taking free education and using it to get a 
     jump start on those who choose to throw away this unique 
     chance.
       Life in America throws many possibilities at us. But, there 
     is no greater opportunity to succeed in our lives than the 
     education handed to us for thirteen years. A crucial, 
     impressionable time is spent in a house of learning. School 
     life itself seems an almost separate society. Decisions for 
     the future are made here, likes and dislikes are developed 
     here, impressions of the world are stamped here, and 
     hobbies, friends, weaknesses and strengths are all learned 
     in school. Also, the strength and courage to strike out on 
     your own and consciously continue your learning is 
     instilled here.
       Without knowledge, what kind of country would we be? It is 
     what makes this country great. The men and women of the 
     frontier did not give their lives for future Americans to be 
     nothing but farmers and trade workers. America, in their 
     eyes, was a land with a potential to succeed far beyond 
     anyone's imagination. A chance to better the standard of 
     living, to create medicines to fight polio and other 
     illusive, deadly illnesses, and a chance to allow people to 
     be happy in any way they see fit. Every human being is 
     different, with their own separate needs, desires, and 
     beliefs. I am eternally grateful that the founders of this 
     nation knew that and created a land in reflection of the 
     people who inhabit it. So, stand tall America. Because I 
     believe that we have fulfilled the prayers of the men and 
     women of yesteryear. And education will continue to draw us 
     farther into the light of freedom, justice, and happiness. As 
     the Pledge of Allegiance always promises:
       ``I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of 
     America and to the Republic for which it stands, one National 
     under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

  Every year for 47 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States and its Ladies Auxiliary have conducted the Voice of Democracy 
Broadcast Scriptwriting Scholarship Competition. More than 138,000 high 
school students participated in the competition this year. This year's 
theme was ``My Commitment to America.''
  Jamey Duhamel, a 17-year-old senior at Colony High School in Palmer, 
AK, is this year's Alaska State Winner. She is a member of the first 
graduating class at Colony High School. Her interests include speaking, 
reading, and dramatics. She has been the captain of her school's speech 
team, vice-president of Students Against Drunk Driving chapter, and a 
student government representative. She is planning on majoring in 
biology at the University of Alaska or Washington and Lee University.

                          ____________________