[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 29 (Monday, March 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E417-E418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ERIN WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES H. TAYLOR

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 10, 1997

  Mr. TAYLOR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, each year the Veterans of 
Foreign Wars of the United States and its Ladies Auxiliary conduct the 
Voice of Democracy broadcast scripting contest. This year more than 
109,000 secondary school students participated in the contest competing 
for the 54 national scholarships which were distributed among the 54 
national winners. The contest theme this year was ``Democracy-Above and 
Beyond.''
  I am proud to announce that Ms. Erin Watson from my district won the 
1997 Voice of Democracy broadcast scripting contest for the entire 
State of North Carolina. A senior at Franklin High School in Franklin, 
NC, Erin is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mart T. Watson of Franklin. 
This is indeed an honor of which all North Carolinians can be proud.
  The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program was started 50 years ago 
by the National Association of Broadcasters, Electronic Industries 
Association, and State Association of Broadcasters. In 1960, the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars assumed sole sponsorship responsibility. That 
year, a total of four scholarships were presented, totaling $3,750.
  Under VFW sponsorship, the annual national scholarships have 
increased to 55 fully funded scholarships totaling $125,000. During 
this past year, 117,000 students participated, 7,900 schools, 5,200 VFW 
posts, and 4,200 Ladies Auxiliaries.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in saluting Erin 
Watson for contributions made to her country, North Carolina, and the 
Franklin community. She is a shining Example of what young people 
should be today

[[Page E418]]

and an asset to the 11th District of North Carolina, and I am honored 
to share her award winning remarks with all of my colleagues.

                    ``Democracy--Above and Beyond''

  (By Erin Watson--1996-97 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program)

       Who in his right mind could even consider building an 
     industrial park in the middle of our beautiful mountain 
     valley? The county commissioners talked like it was a done 
     deal, and it looked like the project would be railroaded 
     through, when the question arose, what do the people of that 
     area think? At the public hearing, citizens from all over the 
     county spoke emotionally against it, 10 to 1. But, when the 
     meeting ended, it appeared that the people of this valley 
     could not be heard.
       ``Why should we bother to have such a meeting?'' I asked my 
     Dad. ``Did anybody say anything that mattered? Who says we 
     have such a great country?''
       Many times I have wondered why my ancestors would sell all, 
     leave family, and suffer greatly to come to America. I have 
     imagined their joy when into view came that tall shining 
     figure standing on the shore with her torch held high, 
     offering warmth, safety, and freedom. It must have been this 
     light my ancestors sought for the promise of ``life, liberty, 
     and the pursuit of happiness.'' But on this night I wondered, 
     why this country? What burning desire pushed them forward at 
     all costs? And what did they see here that I was not seeing 
     as I learned more about our democratic system?
       Then I was given the chance to spend a month in the country 
     of Russia. I really wasn't searching for answers when I moved 
     in with Masha and her family in Rostov. But soon I could see 
     everywhere people would give all for that precious gift of 
     freedom. My Russian Mama and Papa warned me not to be 
     opinionated in public. The freedom of speech I understood was 
     not practiced nor allowed, Papa gently explained. I also 
     discovered that the creativity of school students was very 
     limited, and they were not taught how, but what to think. All 
     students studied American History, and most of them knew 
     English. I thought about the little Russian History I knew, 
     and marveled that they would learn all they could about my 
     country. It soon became apparent that these students harbored 
     a hope of going to America, and prepared for that day.
       As time passed, I began to long for my home in America, 
     where I knew I was safe and free. Masha and her family hugged 
     me tearfully as I boarded the departing train. I waved from 
     the window as Masha ran alongside the train, calling ``I will 
     come to America.'' Then she was out of sight. I longed to 
     take my Russian friends with me, fulfilling their lifelong 
     dream.
       On the trip home, I reflected on those brave people who saw 
     and followed the light of America's democracy. I felt like my 
     ancestors embarking on my own journey to freedom. My family 
     laughed as I hugged the ground in my yard. How could they 
     know of the pride and love I had for my country, and the 
     newfound respect for her democracy? I, too would have given 
     all to come home to America.
       I have learned that to be an American is more than simply 
     partaking of the freedoms we enjoy. It is our right and 
     obligation to be a working part of our democracy, which is 
     truly a government ``of the people, by the people, and for 
     the people'' of America. I understand my part in keeping 
     democracy's light burning bright, so others can enjoy these 
     same freedoms. I know I must encourage others to show their 
     love for America and take an active part in our democracy, 
     too.
       And, when I have a family of my own, I will share my 
     experiences as I teach them to respect and love their country 
     and the principles on which she was founded. I will teach 
     them to be proud to be governed as a free people, and to be 
     willing to defend and serve whenever needed. I will teach 
     them to speak out when issues affect their homes and lives. I 
     will teach them to vote, and be active in their communities 
     so our light may continue to shine. I will point to our 
     beautiful valley, and recount the events that caused the 
     county commissioners to swallow their pride and abandon the 
     industrial park project. I will proudly explain how the voice 
     of the people was heard in our community, and how our 
     democratic system worked again.
       At last I do understand why America is the place my 
     ancestors turned for hope. It is the shining light of 
     democracy, the freedom to be what each person wishes to be. 
     It is the freedom to succeed, and be useful and needed in a 
     society that fosters individual creativity, and allows each 
     person his full potential. And it is the promise that the 
     next generation can have a better life than the last, if we 
     uphold the values and statutes that our ancestors sacrifices 
     for and loved so dearly.
       For my friend Masha and those like her around the world, we 
     must continue to hold our democratic ideals high. We cannot 
     bring other nations to democracy, but we can lead so that all 
     may see and want to follow. American Democracy, like that 
     shining statue, does stand as a light above all others, and 
     reaches out to those far beyond its borders.

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