[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 138 (Thursday, October 2, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1962-E1963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATIONS TO COLE WOOD--A 6TH GRADER WHO UNDERSTANDS FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARION BERRY

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2003

  Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cole Wood, a young 
man whose definition of freedom won him the ``Spring 2003 Essay 
Contest'' at the Sixth Grade Academic Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
  Mr. Speaker, when Cole Wood was asked to define the word freedom for 
the essay contest he chose to focus on the Bill of Rights, the 
Constitution and, ``the great presidents that have brought this nation 
through times of thick and thin.''
  Freedom, for so many Americans, is still taken for granted. While Mr. 
Cole's essay rightfully draws our attention to the founding father's 
legacy, it should also call to mind those men and women who have fought 
so bravely to ensure that our freedom endures. More importantly, it 
should evoke our sense of duty to those veterans and remind us that 
they deserve our support as well as our respect.
  Mr. Wood also recalled the tragedy of September 11th as he described 
the meaning of freedom: ``At first I was scared, but when I saw all the 
people donating and sticking together, I didn't feel sad anymore, I 
felt proud and strong. I was proud to be an American, proud to know I 
was free.''
  That pride is what makes this country great. It is the pride that 
inspires young people like Mr. Wood to be responsible leaders of our 
nation. It is the pride that should infect every decision we make as 
elected representatives.

[[Page E1963]]

  On behalf of Congress, I extend congratulations to Cole Wood for 
winning this essay contest and for reminding all public servants why we 
are here today.

                          ____________________