[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E615-E616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        A VOICE IN OUR DEMOCRACY

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                         HON. MICHAEL D. CRAPO

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 1998

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to your attention an 
award-winning essay written by a constituent of mine on a subject I 
know is near to your heart--the importance of freedom and democracy.
  I'm pleased to announce that Amanda Burtenshaw of Monteview, Idaho, 
has been honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States 
with a VFW 1998 Voice of Democracy Scholarship Award. Amanda's 
broadcast script is an important reminder of the need to be active in 
our efforts to ensure that we continue to enjoy our freedom and rights. 
With all of today's headlines bemoaning the lack of appreciation 
America's youth has for civics, it is encouraging to know that those as 
young as Amanda understand the importance of democracy and freedom.
  I would insert that award-winning script into the Record at this 
time.

 1997-98 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition--``My Voice in 
                            Our Democracy''

                         (By Amanda Burtenshaw)

       A small girl stands wide-eyed on the street curb, watching 
     as the numerous wonders of the annual parade promenade 
     through the streets. Her fascination is obvious as she stands 
     among thousands of people enjoying the celebration. As three 
     prancing white horses enter the scene, she recognizes the 
     American flag, to which she pledges allegiance each morning 
     in her first grade classroom. Dismayed at the inability to 
     make her voice be heard above the crowd, she does the most 
     appropriate thing she can think of. She raises to her full 
     height of four feet, steps out as far into the street as she 
     dares, and places a tiny hand over her heart as she watches, 
     in reverent sincerity, Old Glory pass by. Few notice the 
     innocent gesture, those that do chuckle and remark, ``How 
     cute!'' The crowd grows silent, however, as a war-hardened 
     veteran pulls his horse to the side and halts in front of the 
     little girl. He leans down, speaking directly to her, but 
     loud enough the crowd can hear. ``Thank you,'' he solemnly 
     states, ``for showing proper respect to our flag. You are the 
     first patriot I've seen today.'' With that, he salutes the 
     girl gallantly and wheels to rejoin the procession, but not 
     before the tears in his eyes are witnesses by the crowd. No 
     one looks at anyone, and all sit and ponder upon what they 
     have just witnessed.
       Citizens of America, does it require an office of 
     importance or a battle on the front lines to be an important 
     member of our blessed country? Certainly not, for even 
     through the simple placing of the hand on a heart, many can 
     be affected. The key is to want to be involved, to want to 
     make a difference. And still, wanting to make a difference is 
     not enough, we must do all we can to put that want into 
     effect. A common belief in our society says ``faith without 
     works is nothing'', is this not so in the case of desire 
     without action? Yet, I cannot make you take action . . . but 
     I can lead by example. I am studying our form of government, 
     and developing opinions and values of my own. I am getting 
     involved wherever I can in organizations that will better my 
     political knowledge. I am developing talents for effective 
     public speaking and persuasive writing in order to make my 
     ``voice'' understandable and easily heard. I am dedicating my 
     life to my country, and though I may not die for the freedom 
     of my country, I can live for the betterment of our 
     democracy. I am a youth in America. I am the future of our 
     country. My actions today will determine the conditions of 
     tomorrow.
       Everyday, I enjoy so many blessings that come with living 
     in this country. I can put gas in my car and drive to a 
     public school, where I can learn skills that will aide me in 
     the job field later on. I have the freedom to choose my 
     career, to marry whom I please, to have as many children as I 
     want, and then to raise them in a society where they are 
     encouraged to become the best they can possibly be. I can sit 
     down to a meal at Thanksgiving, my family surrounding me, and 
     feel safe in the security of my home, my town, and my 
     country. The simple ability to say my prayers at night, to 
     the God I have chosen as mine, in the manner I feel proper 
     for me is the greatest blessing of all. Everything I have, I 
     owe to America, and to the system so widely developed by the 
     Fathers of this country, who were not afraid to make their 
     voices heard. Is it asking too much to take the time out of 
     my life to become involved in

[[Page E616]]

     the institution which secures my life, my liberty, and the 
     pursuit of my happiness? I think not. And in the service of 
     my country, I will learn to love it even more, and if the 
     time comes to fight to preserve the freedoms of America, then 
     I will, in the words of singer Lee Greenwood, ``. . . Gladly 
     stand up next to you, and defend her still today, for there 
     (is) no doubt I love this land. God bless the U.S.A.!''.
       Thank you.

       

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