[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 50 (Thursday, April 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO TARA SAKRAIDA

                                 ______


                            HON. WES COOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 1996

  Mr. COOLEY. Mr. Speaker, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
States recently concluded its annual Voice of Democracy scriptwriting 
contest. One of the winners of this year's competition is a bright 
young student from North Medford High School in Medford, OR. Tara 
Sakraida has won the first place award for the entire State of Oregon. 
Her submission, entitled ``Answering America's Call,'' serves as a 
moving tribute to the type of civic-minded community involvement that 
has motivated so many of our Nation's veterans.
  If I may, Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit Tara Sakraida's award-
winning essay for the record. ``Answering America's Call''--by Tara 
Sakraida of Medford, OR.

                        Answering America's Call

       Hi. You've reached 555-Americans, and we're either too busy 
     or too lazy to answer the phone, so leave a message and we 
     may call you back.
       Hello? Hello? This is America, your country, calling. Is 
     anyone home? Well, I needed to talk to someone . . . I'm 
     feeling pretty low. People are burning my flag, Old Glory, as 
     I speak. They are yelling and protesting that desecrating Old 
     Glory is freedom of speech. Why are they doing this? After 
     everything I have given them. A constitution, a democracy, 
     freedom to make choices and decisions. I don't understand--
     they've chosen to dishonor me. Where are you, Americans? If 
     you're sitting at home, please pull yourself away from the 
     television and answer my call. We need Help.
       When some people say the Pledge of Allegiance, they don't 
     even place a hand over their hearts. They recite it 
     unenthusiastically, like lyrics to an out-dated song. And 
     when my melodic, patriotic anthem is played, some do not 
     stand or remove their hats, for they feel it is unnecessary 
     or trite. The polls are no longer overflowing with anxious 
     voters; many don't believe their vote makes a difference. And 
     the meaning of Veteran's Day is often lost in the excitement 
     of a vacation. Americans, are you doing something to solve 
     these problems?
       I'm asking each and every American to take time to listen 
     and answer my cries. Begin by volunteering at a Domiciliary, 
     giving blood to the Red Cross, or serving in the military. 
     You can show patriotism by flying my flag; show your pride by 
     standing when my anthem is played; and acknowledge those 
     military crusaders by observing Veteran's Day. I hope you 
     understand my message, Americans. I need you to come together 
     as a community so my message can be heard.
       I called Mr. Retired the other day. You know, your elderly 
     neighbor across the street? His social security checks 
     stopped coming, and he can't afford his high medical bills 
     after breaking his hip. He needs your help.
       I called a grieving mother yesterday. Her sobs and tears 
     rang over the phone as she described her young son's death 
     after being caught in a gang cross-fire. She needs your help.
       I called a lonesome, homeless teenager today. He told the 
     violent story of being beaten at home and turning to the 
     streets for refuge. He needs your help.
       Now I'm calling you, Americans. Please answer the call of 
     rising health care costs by electing officials who will work 
     to change the system. Answer the call of crime by educating 
     children about the dangers of drugs, guns, and violence. And 
     answer the call of abuse by confronting the problem and 
     volunteering for Crisis Intervention Organizations or 
     homeless shelters.
       You've heard my call, Americans. Now don't hang up on me . 
     . . I need you. I have given everything I can, and now it is 
     up to you. I hope to hear from you soon, Americans. Good-bye.
       *If you don't answer America's call, you may be 
     disconnected.

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