[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 159 (Friday, November 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2111]]
                           EVERYONE A SOLDIER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2001

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a well-written 
essay by a constituent of mine, Silvio Laccetti of Fairview, New 
Jersey. Mr Laccetti is a professor of humanities at Stevens Hoboken 
Institute of Technology where he is developing leadership programs. I 
ask that the text of his essay, ``Everyone a Soldier,'' be entered into 
the Congressional Record so that all Americans may read his words. In 
the post-September 11 world, Mr. Laccetti captures the new reality that 
all Americans are in a sense, ``soldiers''. My hope is that Mr. 
Laccetti's piece helps us to gain an even greater appreciation for our 
freedom and our country.

                           Everyone a Soldier

                          (By Silvio Laccetti)

       It may not always have been well observed, but for the last 
     two centuries the wartime line between civilian and military 
     personnel was pretty clear. Not any more.
       In the 21st century, with wars fought against agents of 
     terror, there is no clear distinction between a combatant and 
     a non-combatant. Hijacked planes attack office towers. 
     Anthrax arrives in postal envelopes. The government 
     periodically issues high-alert warnings, suggesting imminent 
     danger.
       In America today, there is a sense that anything can happen 
     to anyone at anytime. Everyone's a target, so everyone must 
     be a soldier.
       If we are all soldiers, what then are the ``weapons'' we 
     carry? What will get us through these wars and how will 
     traits that are especially American help us triumph?
       First, we have to be fit. The old catch-phrase ``stick to 
     your guns'' applies in this case. For today's American, it 
     means to focus anew under stress. So, go to your work, go to 
     play, honor your obligations and dream about a better future 
     as soldiers always have. And let's become inspired and 
     energized to do the best we can ever do in our daily roles. 
     Recall Dan Rather's own response to terrorism--a desire to 
     produce the best journalism he has ever done. After the 
     initial shock of 9/11, America seems now to be undergoing a 
     resurgence of excellence. Excellence is a fitness that never 
     fails.
       Love of freedom and creativity stored in our arsenals of 
     democracy will also empower each of us in our battle against 
     terrorism. As Paul McCartney sang out in his original song 
     dedicated at the Concert for New York, we will fight for our 
     right to live in freedom. And in that fight we will employ 
     the kind of creativity few soldiers or armies ever get to 
     enjoy. When things are snafu'ed, the individual soldier finds 
     a solution on his or her own. Witness the creativity of the 
     heroes on Flight 93 who prevented another attack by giving 
     their own lives. Acts of heroism, great and small, will mark 
     the vigilance and determination of a free people. Freedom and 
     creativity are the ordnance of our Free Americans.
       All soldiers need leaders and to have faith in them. We've 
     been blessed with great ones in this crisis. Mayor Giuliani 
     and President Bush have been extraordinary. Others, like 
     Colin Powell and Donald Rumsfeld have demonstrated reassuring 
     leadership. But because we are in the unique situation of 
     everyone a soldier, we must assume self-leadership. Each 
     American must motivate himself/herself to take command of 
     their fears and hesitation. This means we must get on with 
     life, today and tomorrow, and look for God's presence in the 
     trenches. Self-leadership is always a good thing. If you are 
     forever in fear and uncertainty, you already live in terror.
       America. Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. We 
     will lead lives undaunted and cling to the heritage and 
     ideals that guide America in the war against terror. In this 
     war, everyone is a soldier.

     

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