[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 90 (Wednesday, July 13, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRIBUTE TO ANNMARIE TENN

                                 ______


                      HON. WILLIAM H. ZELIFF, JR.

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 1994

  Mr. ZELIFF. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
bring to attention the outstanding accomplishment of Ms. Annmarie Tenn. 
As a winner of the Voice of Democracy broadcast scriptwriting contest, 
she had made me very proud to be her representative. I am pleased to 
submit a copy of her speech to the Congressional Record on her behalf.

                        My Commitment To America

       ``I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of 
     America and to the republic for which it stands.''
       This is my commitment to America. Let my commitment be an 
     example to all Americans. I have and will always have respect 
     for that ``Old glory flying high.''
       My commitment to America was tested when the Supreme Court 
     controversially decided that the burning of the flag was 
     legal. I cringed at that decision, but, as a citizen 
     committed to America, I had the responsibility to support 
     that decision even though I disagreed with it.
       The Pledge of Allegiance is more than memorizing words--it 
     is a challenge to live my life as a citizen committed to my 
     country using those words of the pledge as a guidepost.
       My commitment to America demands that I cultivate the 
     qualities of character and personality that have a high value 
     in society. I must assume an active part in government and in 
     the community. It is my duty to help free the community from 
     influences that weaken and degrade the lives of so many young 
     people.
       Commitment gives one such as myself, a youth living in 
     troubled times, the ability to refuse drugs, violence, and 
     crimes. I support my country by my every day decisions to 
     turn away from what I know is wrong.
       America, approaching the 21st Century, is at a crossroad as 
     a nation. She is at a fateful decade of decision. 
     Advancements in technology, the destruction of the family 
     unit, the establishment of a world which, despite its size, 
     has become a global village, confront the ethical and moral 
     character of our country. There is a growing tide of 
     permissiveness that is crushing our society from every side. 
     We must begin to reverse the trend America finds herself in 
     and reclaim our basic values.
       Each generation of Americans, if it is equal to the task, 
     rebuilds and regenerates the value system, reinterprets old 
     values and opens the way to new values. This is my commitment 
     to America.
       The fundamental source of the law is the Constitution. I 
     have the obligation and the duty to know and support it. In 
     the words of Abraham Lincoln, ``Let every man remember that 
     to violate the law is to trample on the blood of his father . 
     . . and his children's liberty.''
       Our Constitution calls us to a responsibility to form and 
     establish, to secure and provide, to promote and ensure these 
     same liberties which have been guaranteed by our founding 
     fathers. The essence of our country is liberty, the substance 
     of liberty is individual aspirations, individual 
     responsibilities, and individual accountability. This is my 
     commitment to America.
       In our daily living we must establish the spirit and set 
     the pattern for a kinder world. I must point the way to 
     happiness through the path of service--making our communities 
     a better place to live. I will take an active interest in 
     government and public affairs. At school, through my 
     commitment, concern, and involvement, I must stand up to the 
     challenge to be counted on to work in student government. 
     After our responsibilities to God and our families, our 
     primary responsibility is that of an informed conscientious 
     citizen. Besides voting, I must grasp the opportunities I 
     have to participate and share in the immense power and wealth 
     of America--just because I am a citizen. This is my 
     commitment to America.
       It is the duty of my generation to protect America's 
     liberty. All of us must watch over and protect it. There is 
     no promise or guarantee of a secure or happy future. Yet, if 
     our own desire challenges us to bring meaning to our lives, 
     we can do it. That is my commitment to America.
       The future will be shaped by all, those who do and will 
     believe in it. The challenge has been put forth to all to 
     create a peaceful and just world. We must take hold of our 
     own futures and create a better world in which to live. There 
     is hope for mankind. This is my commitment to America. Thank 
     you.

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