[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 78 (Thursday, May 11, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             RACHEL D. KILLIAN, SCRIPTWRITING CONTEST WINNER

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                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 11, 1995
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States and its ladies auxiliary conduct the Voice of 
Democracy broadcast scriptwriting contest. This past year, more then 
126,000 secondary school students participated in the contest competing 
for the 54 national scholarships totaling more than $109,000.
  This year's Tennessee winner is Rachel D. Killian, a junior at South-
Doyle High School. Miss Killian is an active member of her student 
council, enjoys reading and drama, and belongs to Knoxville Youth in 
Government. She plans a career in television and radio journalism-
communications. Miss Killian was sponsored by VEW Post 1733 and its 
ladies auxiliary in Knoxville, TN.
  I would ask that Miss Killian's essay, ``My Vision for America'' be 
entered into the Record. I believe we can all benefit from her 
insightful, patriotic remarks:
                         My Vision for America

       This country was founded by people of great vision. 
     Although they came from different countries and backgrounds, 
     they had a common dream which brought them together--the 
     dream of a land where they could have better lives. By 
     working together, these strong pioneers made this dream of 
     freedom and opportunity a fantastic reality we call 
     ``America.''
       During the past two hundred years, this vision of freedom 
     has appealed to many trapped under oppressive governments. 
     Thousands found their way to America each year, escaping from 
     wars, hunger, political unrest and religious persecution. 
     They found a haven in America. These immigrants are our 
     ancestors. They are our relatives not necessarily by blood, 
     but by a common heritage. They endured many pains and 
     sacrifices to arrive here. Many had noting to hang on to but 
     a dream.
       These early Americans were genuinely grateful for every 
     opportunity they were given. They respected the government 
     for all it provided and gladly participated in the duties of 
     citizenship. Unlike the grateful citizens of the past, many 
     Americans today insult the government and blame the system 
     for every problem. They demand benefits, such as military 
     protections, without accepting the burden of paying taxes. 
     They often believe they are entitled to certain rights over 
     others and have forgotten what it means to be tolerant of 
     others' beliefs. Worst of all, they display a loss of 
     confidence in the future of America and the capability of 
     American leaders. These unpatriotic feelings are destroying 
     the optimism, the honor and the pride we should have in 
     America. Because there are people burning with anger instead 
     of burning with pride, we have lost the sense of brotherhood 
     which once flowed from sea to shining sea and united this 
     country.
       My vision of America calls for a change in every American 
     heart. We must remember the dreams of our immigrant ancestors 
     and imitate some of their patriotic values such as love for 
     each other, for our community and for our government. The men 
     and women who created our nation did not expect others to 
     rescue them from hardships. They were not complainers, but 
     achievers, and their hard work brought America prosperity.
       In my dream we are more like our ancestors. We are people 
     of vision pushing for what we know is right. We display 
     tolerance and patience for other individuals, and we 
     emphasize our similarities rather then our differences. We 
     look at our collective ancestors and say, ``We are one, with 
     one spirit. We are an American Family.''
       In my vision, I see a ``new'' America with patriotic 
     citizens who know and appreciate all the lyrics to the 
     ``Star-Spangled Banner.'' I see citizens who talk about 
     what's right with the country instead of what's wrong, where 
     Uncle Sam is welcome at every dinner table and where citizens 
     are proud to show they are Americans at times other than 
     during the Olympics. I see a country that shares dreams and 
     reaches for goals that will benefits everyone, not just a 
     select few. I see Americans with changed attitudes toward 
     each other and a land where every worker has a respected 
     place and purpose--where every single person feels like an 
     important part of one united spirit.
       There are ways that my vision for America could be 
     achieved. First, American newpapers need to print more 
     positive articles to improve the public morale. Second, to 
     remind citizens of their many blessings, everyone needs to be 
     informed of the lack of human rights in other countries. It 
     is so easy to forget how lucky we are to be living in the 
     United States. Finally, Americans must stop dividing into so 
     many groups. Instead of being Democrat or Republican, upper 
     class or blue collar, black or white, we should be American. 
     If we are going to be strong as a country, and supportive of 
     each other, then we must be united as a people.
       My vision for America in not a new one. Our ancestors held 
     the same hopes for this country, but over the years their 
     visions have been forgotten. If we could remember one thing 
     from their success, then it should be that we must never stop 
     believing in our visions for America. History has taught us 
     that there are dreams that can come true.
     

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