[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        ANSWERING AMERICA'S CALL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BERNARD SANDERS

                               of vermont

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 1996

  Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of my colleagues I would 
like to insert into the Record the following statement by Meika 
Ferland.
  Ms. Ferland is a student from Barton, VT, and her script was the 1996 
Vermont State winner in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy 
broadcast scripwriting contest.

                        Answering America's Call

                           (By Meika Ferland)

       George Washington. Bob Hope. Betsy Ross. What do these 
     Americans have in common? Each answered America's call in his 
     or her own way. George Washington was the first commander-in-
     chief of troops as well as America's first President. Bob 
     Hope entertained soldiers during several wars. And Betsy Ross 
     sewed the famous red, white, and blue flag that would come to 
     represent the best nation in the world. Each of these 
     patriots made a memorable contribution to America's history.
       Although we remember these important people and the roles 
     they played in helping our country become great and strong, 
     thousands of others have helped in their own small ways. The 
     boys who beat the drums to maintain the soldier's pace. The 
     women who made bandages and nursed the wounded. The crowds 
     that gave a hero's welcome during a parade to honor returning 
     troops--each of these is answering America's call by 
     contributing to the morale and the needs of the time.
       Today's citizens can also answer America's call. A young 
     man can register with the Selective Service and be ready to 
     fight if called upon during a national emergency. A young 
     woman can volunteer to serve a meal at the local soup 
     kitchen. A senior citizen can swing a hammer on a crew 
     building a house in the Habitat for Humanity project. Each of 
     these activities can make a difference and every person can 
     make a contribution. The contribution does not have to make a 
     huge impression like finding a cure for cancer or signing a 
     peace treaty with a foreign nation. Each of us can answer the 
     call in our own way no matter how humble. It is important to 
     remember that every effort no matter how small makes a 
     difference. I have learned this myself first hand.
       At my local high school I am a volunteer in the Big 
     Brother/Big Sister program. In this program a high school 
     student is paired with an elementary student from one of the 
     graded schools. These children are usually needy kids who 
     lack someone special in their lives. As a volunteer I spend 
     part of an afternoon each week trying to be a positive role 
     model who provides attention and security in an otherwise 
     troubled life.
       Sometimes I help my little sister with her homework or we 
     play games on the computer. She especially likes it when I 
     read to her. Whatever we do, I can see a twinkle in my little 
     sister's eye. I know she is thrilled while I am there. Her 
     smile never leaves her face and when it's time to say good-
     bye, I know she is looking forward to next week wondering if 
     I'll bring her a package of M & M's or a new book to read.
       My little sister is not the only one who benefits from our 
     friendship. It warms my heart to know that I can have such an 
     impact on a ten-year-old. I am contributing a little bit to 
     society by being a Big Sister but I am also reaping the 
     rewards of doing something good for someone else.
       In my own way I'm answering America's call. It is a minute 
     contribution in relation to the whole country but it is my 
     part, my effort. I believe that each of us has something 
     worthwhile to contribute and it is up to each of us to do so. 
     If every American were to do just a little bit towered 
     answering America's call the United States would be an even 
     greater place than it is today.
     
                               ____________________