[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 139 (Friday, September 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      ``WHAT AMERICA MEANS TO ME''

                                 ______


                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 1995
  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention a meaningful message, ``What America Means to Me,'' written 
by Julio Martinez who is a member of VFW Post 2545 in Redlands, CA. As 
a nation of immigrants, we must continue to recognize that the strength 
of our country lies largely in its diversity. I commend this passage to 
my colleagues in the House:
                        What America Means To Me

     America means to me, the place of my birth.
     Born to a family who taught me, early in life,
     No matter the hardships,
     To love this land of my birth.

     America offered schools for you and me,
     To become whatever we wished to become.
     Through life adjustment and preparation.
     So we could build a stronger nation.

     America means to me, freedom of speech,
     As long as I do not infringe on the rights, of any of our 
           citizens.
     America is the only place on this earth,
     Where people of all nationalities live, and co-exist as 
           fellow citizens.

     America means to me, freedom of religion,
     To worship any religion I choose.
     And the freedom not to worship if I so choose.

     America means to me, the freedom,
     Of working where I choose to work.
     And wherever I choose to work.
     And am guaranteed fair wages for my work.

     America means to me, freedom,
     To move from one job to another, without reprisal.
     From one state to another, without fear upon my arrival.

     Amderica means to me, the freedom, to choose where,
     I wish to live and am guaranteed, by our,
     Constitution, the freedom.
     To pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
     With total freedom.

     America means to me, freedom to elect,
     Public officials to govern us,
     With our consent.
     and to remove them if not content.

     America means to me, the freedom,
     On the Fourth of July, her birthday, to celebrate.
     She gained her independence for you and for me.
     So let us all celebrate.

     America means to me, freedom to fly,
     Our beautiful flag, atop our flagpoles,
     Fluttering majestically, throughout our nation,
     Reminding us all that we live in a free nation.

     America may not be perfect, but,
     It is still the best nation in the world.
     So we had best take care of her, by living harmoniously 
           together.
     If we look out for each other,
     She will continue to be the best nation in the world.

     We know we are still learning to live together, as American 
           citizens.
     But let an outsider threaten America, and she,
     Will send out a call to her sons, daughters and citizens.
     We will respond to her call, no matter what we contend.
     We will defend her to the very end.

     Our nation is free.
     We have demonstrated to the world,
     We will fight to keep her free.

     And yes this is what America, means to me.
     That I wish the world to see.
     

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