[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 4, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL BOWLING

                                 ______


                           HON. DAVE McCURDY

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 1994

  Mr. McCURDY. Mr. Speaker, today, I commend Michael Bowling, a young 
American from Duncan, OK, who recently won the Voice of Democracy 
scriptwriting contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the 
United States for the state of Oklahoma.
  Michael, a recent graduate of Duncan High School, is involved in 
numerous school activities. There, his achievements include: Boys' 
State Governor, Oklahoma State Lincoln-Douglas Debate Champion, and 
1992 U.S. Senate Youth Program Delegate. He stands as an outstanding 
example of America's young people, and I congratulate him for his 
extraordinary accomplishments.
  I submit for the Record a copy of Michael's script, entitled ``My 
Commitment to America.''

                        My Commitment to America

                          (By Michael Bowling)

       During December of 1777 the Continental Army weathered a 
     bleak winter at Valley Forge. On December the 23rd, 
     Commanding General George Washington reported, ``We have this 
     day no less than 2,783 men in camp unfit for duty because 
     they are barefooted and otherwise naked.'' The harsh 
     condition of the winter encampment was the greatest test 
     faced by the American revolutionaries; yet, in the face of 
     these overwhelming odds, the soldiers of the Continental Army 
     persevered, remaining committed to their desire for freedom.
       Throughout our history the American people have given to 
     many challenges, embracing change and its effect upon the 
     American ideal. The colonists led a rebellion against 
     tyranny; Unionists battled to free enslaved Americans; and 
     civil rights leaders fought to dismantle prejudice. These 
     generations of Americans, though faced with seemingly 
     impossible tasks, never lost sight of their commitment to 
     America, defining their commitment through their dedication 
     to political freedom and social unity. These commitments 
     changed America, leading the American society to new heights 
     and continuing the evolution of the American ideal.
       Today the commitment of our generation of Americans is more 
     important than ever. During recent years the world has 
     undergone immense change. The choices America must make today 
     are unlike any we have before faced. The Cold War, which for 
     five decades had defined American policy, has ended, giving 
     birth to a New World Order, an order defined by renewed 
     freedom and marred by chaos. In this time of change we must 
     both lead and follow, protecting freedom and respecting the 
     sovereignty of nations. We must stand as the lone superpower 
     in a world rife with conflict.
       During this time of uncertainty, Americans have also begun 
     to focus attention upon our domestic problems. Crime, 
     environmental degradation, racial tension, economic 
     restructuring--many problems plague the American society. In 
     the face of these problems some have begun to question the 
     American dream and its ideals, wondering if America chases 
     the impossible, if we are committed to an unreachable goal.
       It is during this turbulent period in our history when we 
     must be most committed to America. We cannot allow our fear 
     of the future to derail the American dream. We can rescue 
     America from its despair, but in order to do this we must be 
     committed to our ideals wholeheartedly. Our commitment must 
     show through in our actions, as we seek to rebuild America 
     and to renew the American dream.
       Throught involvement, both politically and socially, my 
     commitment and the commitment of all Americans can begin to 
     restore the American dream. Political activism can begin to 
     restore our faith in government and to rebuild the 
     foundations of our democracy, making he federal government 
     more responsive to the will of the people. Social work 
     through volunteer organizations can help to heal the wounds 
     of our fractured society, restoring our unity and 
     revitalizing our sense of community.
       Each one of us can make a difference in the future of 
     America. My personal commitment to America and its ideals can 
     serve to better the future for all Americans. In being 
     committed to America I am committed to America's future 
     citizens, hoping to guarantee to them a free and democratic 
     nation. Through involvement in community service and election 
     campaigns, my commitment will aid in the betterment of our 
     nation; yet, I can be only one link in a chain, a chain that 
     must be wrought of hardened steel, strengthening the American 
     dream. Each one of us must be strong in our commitment to 
     America and its ideals. Our chain will only be as strong as 
     its weakest link, but I have faith that our chain of 
     commitment to America will have no weak links and that we 
     will guarantee a bright future for all Americans.

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