[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 NEW HAMPSHIRE'S 2001-2002 VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST 
                    REACHING OUT TO AMERICA'S FUTURE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHARLES F. BASS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 2002

  Mr. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to enter into the Congressional 
Record, the speech written by the 2002 Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice 
of Democracy Scholarship winner, Clarissa Anderson.

                    Reaching Out to America's Future

                         (By Clarissa Anderson)

       America, the beautiful country in which we live, has a 
     future brighter than most may see. It is the country where 
     many families raise their children, brave people reside, 
     intelligent people create, scientists explore, and foreigners 
     and citizens vacation. It is a country with immense power and 
     glory behind its name, but the future of such a place is yet 
     to be discovered. The future of the country that we love the 
     most is what we will make it to be. It is up to us now, who 
     are living here today, to make the history of America one 
     that will make those who follow behind us proud of the ones 
     who walked before them.
       Many battles have been fought in the past to gain the 
     freedoms we take for granted today, yet there are still 
     battles to be won amongst America's own people. They are not 
     battles over hate or differences, but they are rather battles 
     over the hunger and the need of the people of whom we belong. 
     The future of America lies within each American living here 
     today. There are several civil topics that could be improved 
     upon to make the future of our country one to be proud of.
       While there are rich and famous stars making the latest 
     movies, and the most well known scientists discovering, there 
     are still ones on the street who are in need of homes, love, 
     care, clothing, and jobs. The able-minded and able-bodied 
     people of America should stand up and make this country proud 
     by making it a better place for all to live, even the less 
     fortunate. Volunteering an hour here or there to counsel a 
     job searcher, to serve meals to the hungry, or even to show a 
     little love and care to a child, can make a difference 
     slowly, one step at a time, one life at a time, a little love 
     at a time, and a little care at a time, we will slowly create 
     the brightest age in America's history.
       When Americans can truly say that the quality of living in 
     America is better than any other country, America will have 
     succeeded as a whole. When all Americans can feel protected 
     not only by the laws and power of the country, but also by 
     the care of its people, we will have succeeded. There are 
     countless ways for a single soul to change or alter the life 
     of another, if only a seed of compassion or care were sown 
     within those who are able to give such things to others in 
     need.
       To the future of America I would like to offer a country 
     full of helping hands, ones that will reach out to others in 
     need. I would like to see men and women and children alike, 
     not only caring for their circle of friends and for their 
     families, but also assisting the people that are in need in 
     their towns and communities. Our country has proven to be 
     able to accomplish many great feats and this is one feat that 
     can be achieved within the boundaries of our own country. To 
     conquer such a challenge we need to set ourselves aside and 
     lose all selfishness, putting our focus on others and their 
     needs as well. While making our changes one heart at a time, 
     one step at a time, and one life at a time, we'll be reaching 
     out to the future of America. Our country will be all that 
     we've dreamed it could be. America it's the beautiful country 
     in which we live and as Americans, we should be proud of what 
     we accomplish as a nation, one step at a time.

     

                          ____________________