[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL SERVICE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2002

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise, as all Americans should rise in 
support of service to the greatest Nation in the history of the world.
  As we speak, American men and women are in harms way across the world 
fighting terrorist enemies who only nine short months ago launched an 
unprecedented assault against our Nation, our people and our 
institutions. Above all, they launched an assault against the values 
and principles of freedom and liberty that are the very foundation of 
our Republic, and the reason that we are the model for democracy all 
across our planet.
  America is the terrorist's worst nightmare, for we are truly a 
guiding lamp of liberty, a model of justice that men and women all over 
the world flock to each year, an extraordinary place where the children 
of immigrants became as much Americans as the descendants of the 
Mayflower.
  There are many ways to serve America's freedom. We are proud of our 
sons and daughters who risk their lives to protect our liberty. Their 
military courage inspires us.
  But there are other ways to serve America. There are other ways to 
strengthen the United States, to strengthen our pluralism, to extend 
the American dream across our continent.
  Mr. Speaker, in this time of national crisis, it is time for 
Americans to pay back to this country in ways both large and small, 
some of the great gifts that this Nation, and this land, and this 
system have given to all of our people.
  I remember as a child hearing the stirring words of John Fitzgerald 
Kennedy calling Americans to service around the world in the Peace 
Corps.
  I remember the words and programs of Lyndon Baines Johnson building 
the Great Society--from Head Start to Community Action Programs to 
Legal Services for the Poor. He fulfilled President Kennedy's dream 
with the formation of the domestic Peace Corps--VISTA--Volunteers in 
Service to America.
  I recall the words of President George Herbert Walker Bush in his 
Points of Light initiative to expand volunteerism in America.
  And I recall the words of President Bill Clinton when, as one of the 
first initiatives of his presidency, he sought the creation of the 
AmeriCorps program to encourage more young Americans to serve their 
country.
  And today, I am proud of the determination, and the commitment, and 
the idealism of the thousands of Americans who serve in AmeriCorps.
  I am stirred by the passion of thousands of young Americans, straight 
out of college with endless possibilities to make huge salaries, who 
have chosen instead to give two years back to their Nation in the 
extraordinary Teach For America program. One of those American patriots 
is Sarah Siegel, the daughter of my own Chief of Staff.
  Mr. Speaker, there are all kinds of courage in this world. Civil 
courage is every bit as significant as military courage. The thousands 
of volunteers demonstrate courage every day by sacrificing their time 
to help their fellow citizens. I am proud to witness this strength of 
character in America.
  Mr. Speaker, there are many ways to demonstrate character in the new 
millennium. But I suggest to you today, as we celebrate National 
Service Day, that a fundamental demonstration of American character, 
values and commitment to the future, is service to our Nation.
  President Kennedy challenged Americans with his call to ``Ask not 
what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your 
country,''--and America has responded.
  On this day, I praise all who are paying to their Nation and their 
communities, and accepting the personal responsibilities inherent in 
citizenship. I pray that their good work, and their good deeds, and 
their good hearts, will become a model for generations of Americans yet 
unborn, on how to be a responsible citizen of the United States of 
America.

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