[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2438-E2439]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         OUTSTANDING VETERANS DAY ESSAYS FROM DISTRICT STUDENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 1999

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to bring to the 
attention of my colleagues, seven outstanding Veterans Day essays by 
young individuals from the 3rd Congressional District of Illinois. For 
my annual Veterans Day Ceremony in Chicago, the following students 
wrote about what Veterans Day means to them. I hope you will also enjoy 
these essays:

                              Veterans Day

              (By Katie Wiencek, Kinzie Elementary School)

       Veterans Day is a very important day. It is the day when we 
     remember the American soldiers who have lost their lives in 
     the many wars. More than 58,000 soldiers died during the 
     Vietnam War. It has been called one of the most painful 
     periods in our history. But, America still had it good, after 
     all, we had ceased fighting and were trying to rebuild South 
     Vietnam by sending money. America has been the ``good guy'' 
     in almost every war. This stereotype goes for not just the 
     government, but the people and soldiers as well. I think they 
     have a right to be remembered. It is our debt to them to have 
     this memorial for four of the many soldiers who fought so 
     hard for us. They need to be noticed. This memorial is a 
     ``good thing,'' as Martha Stewart would say. I would say, it 
     is a very good thing.

                                  ____
                                  

                              Veterans Day

                (By Rich Pala, Byrne Elementary School)

       Veterans Day is a day all proud Americans honor the men and 
     women who served the American Army. Some people fought and 
     died for what they believed was right. Some went to war and 
     many died for our country. These are the true heroes of 
     America, and deserve all the respect of billions of American 
     people. Without these brave men and women, America would not 
     be what it is today. We owe everything to these men and 
     women, because they put the pride and honor in America. They 
     fought for everything America stands for.

                                  ____
                                  

                              Veterans Day

             (By Shaun Caulfield, Byrne Elementary School)

       Bring to mind images of brave soldiers fighting for our 
     country in war time, working in peace time, and trying to 
     keep our country free. Great soldiers come in mind: General 
     Washington, George Patton, Audie Murphy, the less famous but 
     not less important vet. John Joseph Kunkes, my grandfather, 
     fought in Korea. He was missing from action from his platoon 
     for one month. He was on his own staying alive on skills 
     taught to him by the U.S. Army.
       Thinking about my grandfather's adventures makes me 
     remember every veteran has their tale to tell. It would be to 
     our best interest to seek out his story and appreciate his 
     commitments to his country and his branch of service.
       To some, Veterans Day is a day off of school or work. But 
     World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam fighters make me 
     shiver. They fought in those wars and risked their lives that 
     makes them so great.
       On Veterans Day, remember and pray for courageous vets and 
     honor them with the respect and dignity they deserve. To all 
     past, present, and future veterans, remember we are all 
     behind you.

                                  ____
                                  

                              Veterans Day

              (By Julian Ollry, Nathan Hale Middle School)

       Many brave men and women have given their lives in wartime 
     for our country. One that was not so far in the past was the 
     Vietnam War. The veterans of this war must be especially 
     honored for their valor and loyalty at the most crucial time 
     in American History.
       This war was difficult for Americans because many of them 
     disagreed with the war. In 1973, the United States government 
     had agreed to stop fighting in Vietnam. When

[[Page E2439]]

     many soldiers returned from the hardships during the war, 
     seeing friends or relatives die in battle, many Americans did 
     not support them and many soldiers felt very unappreciated. 
     Veterans are now beginning to be recognized by other foreign 
     war heroes. Veterans gather at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial 
     in Washington, DC to place gifts and stand quiet vigil at the 
     names of their friends and relatives who fell in the Vietnam 
     War. Families have lost sons and/or daughters in wars. Their 
     thoughts and many others are toward peace and the avoidance 
     of future wars.
       Today, let us give thanks to these Vietnam veterans and all 
     the brave men and women who fought for America. These 
     soldiers are our heroes. They gave their lives for us and for 
     the cause of freedom. May each and everyone be honored for 
     eternity.

                                  ____
                                  

                     What Veterans Day Means to Me

   (By Amanda Lally, Grade 7, St. Jane de Chantal Elementary School)

       Veterans Day is a very important holiday in our country. It 
     honors all of those who are living and dead--who served with 
     the US armed forces in times of war. We owe so much to those 
     brave men and women who fought for our freedom and protected 
     our country.
       I am very proud to have family members who have served for 
     our country. My great-grandfather fought in World War II. He 
     was captured by the enemy and became a prisoner of war, but 
     he survived and came home. My great-uncle fought in the 
     Korean Conflict. They were both proud to serve our country.
       Without all of these brave men and women, where would our 
     country be? they put their life on the line for all of us. We 
     should not only honor our veterans on this commemorative day, 
     but every day, because without our armed forces there would 
     be no peace or freedom.
       To all of the people who have served for our country, you 
     make me feel proud to be an American.

                                  ____
                                  

                     What Veterans Day Means to Me

  (By Jennifer Gename, Grade 8, St. Jane de Chantal Elementary School)

       In my opinion, I think it is only fair to have a holiday 
     commemorating the men who risked their lives to uphold the 
     benefits and principles of our country. They worked hard to 
     uphold our nation's belief in freedom, and they deserve to 
     have a day of recognition.
       Although Veterans Day is probably not one of the most 
     publicly mentioned holidays, it has great meaning towards my 
     family and me. My grandfather served in World War II, and 
     thankfully survived unharmed. He, and all the other men, 
     worked day and night in the midst of shootings, killings, and 
     pain. They didn't know if they would ever get through a day, 
     let alone survive until the end of the war. If this sort of 
     endurance doesn't deserve a holiday, then I don't know what 
     does. These men did so much for our country, so that everyone 
     would be able to lead happy, safe lives.
       So, to me, Veterans Day is a very important holiday, 
     because it helps people realize what others went through to 
     help the nation.

                                  ____
                                  

                              Veterans Day

        (By William Matuszak, St. Rene Goupil Elementary School)

       Veterans Day is a time to remember and honor men and women 
     who have served in the Armed forces. This holiday is 
     celebrated on November, 11.
       Veterans Day is important to me for many reasons. Both my 
     grandfathers have served in a war. One served in World War II 
     and the other in the Korean Conflict. It is not only 
     important to me, but to everyone, because many families have 
     served in armies and have fought for their countries in war. 
     Veterans Day can also show people between countries, because 
     war is over and we can celebrate that also.
       Veterans Day is a very important day to all. Men and women 
     from all over the world have fought for their countries in 
     many different ways, and we honor them on this very special 
     day. We celebrate their accomplishments and sacrifices. 
     Veterans Day is a great way to honor all who have died and 
     all who are still living that have served their nation in the 
     military. Let us keep all of the men and women who are 
     presently serving in our military that God will keep them out 
     of harm's way.

  Mr. Speaker, I wish all of these fine authors the best of luck in 
their future studies.

                          ____________________