[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E626-E627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       ``MY SERVICE TO AMERICA''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 1999

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize an 
impressive young North Dakotan. Margretta Hanson of Blanchard is the 
winner of the 1999 Veterans of Foreign Wars' Voice of Democracy 
Broadcast Scriptwriting Contest. Miss Hanson's essay is based on the 
theme ``My Service To America.''
  I am very pleased to see such wonderful patriotism and values coming 
from North Dakota's youth. It is my pleasure to submit Miss Hanson's 
essay for inclusion in the Congressional Record.

                       ``My Service to America''


         1998-99 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition

                  North Dakota Winner Margretta Hanson

       ``Be all that you can be,'' is a popular slogan of the 
     United States Army. By joining the armed forces, one is 
     showing true patriotism and devotion to the protection and 
     betterment of our great nation, the United States of America. 
     To put one's life on the line by defending the freedoms of 
     the people of this country is a noble deed, but I feel that 
     this is not the only way that one can give service to 
     America. My service to America is to ``be all that I can be'' 
     as an American citizen. We don't have to risk our lives to 
     make a difference. By simply smiling as you pass someone on 
     the street or in the hallway, you're bringing joy into the 
     lives of others. Theodore Roosevelt once said, ``Do what you 
     can, with what you have, where you are.'' I want to make the 
     most of the talents and opportunities that I have been 
     blessed with.
       Some people say that the future of the United States is 
     looking glum. They fear that our youth are committing more 
     crimes, they fear that our youth are abusing more illegal 
     substances, they fear that our youth are showing less 
     respect, they fear that our youth are becoming less 
     motivated, and they fear that our youth are lacking ethical 
     morals and values. What can I do to change the destiny of my 
     generation? Benjamin Franklin wrote in Poor Richard's 
     Almanac, ``A good example is the best sermon of all.'' 
     Through my service to America, I am ``preaching'' to my peers 
     through the positive choices I make in my life. Joined with 
     the efforts of other young men and women of my generation who 
     are also striving to make positive choices in their personal 
     lives, my efforts will make a difference.

[[Page E627]]

       I have been a Girl Scout for 11 years. In Girl Scouts, we 
     promise,
     ``On my honor, I will try:
     To serve God and my country,
     To help people at all times,
     And to live by the Girl Scout Law.''

       A large part of being a Girl Scout is trying to help other 
     people by following our promise and law. I have held true to 
     my promise by giving my time and talents for the betterment 
     of my community and church. By investing my time in community 
     service and church activities, I am not only bettering my 
     community, but I am also setting a positive example for 
     others.
       I strongly believe that the best leadership is leadership 
     by example. The impact of one individual who sets a good 
     example is amazing. It is important to me that I do what I 
     can to better myself and the world around me by making 
     positive choices. One person who develops a strong set of 
     values and upholds themself to high moral standards can make 
     a positive influence on the lives of others. The power of a 
     single individual who tries to be the best person he or she 
     possibly can as they put their talents to work for the 
     betterment of themself, their work, and others is very 
     impressive. By making positive choices in my own life, I am 
     serving as a role-model for everyone around me. My service to 
     America is setting a good example for others in the choices 
     that I have made and the choices I will make in the future.
       I am working towards the ultimate goal of being all that I 
     can be by working hard towards my goals, showing respect 
     towards others, and abstaining from destructive behaviors. 
     These choices, among others, are permitting me to work 
     towards becoming all that I can be.
       I have challenged myself to be all that I can be. My 
     service to America is not one of enlistment in the armed 
     forces, but one that I hope will be beneficial to myself, my 
     community, and this great nation.

     

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