[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 41 (Monday, March 29, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E467-E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ARIZONA'S VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY ESSAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK RENZI

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 29, 2004

  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to announce that 
Arizona's winning essayist for VFW Voice of Democracy writing contest 
is Stephanie Hall, from Lakeside, Arizona in the First Congressional 
District.
  In her essay, Stephanie recalls her grandfather's memories of his 
service to the Nation and the lessons of responsibility, patriotism and 
duty he taught her through his stories. Stephanie pledges to honor the 
memory of her grandfather and the legacy of those who served before him 
to safeguard the principles which they fought to defend.
  I commend Stephanie for a thoughtful essay, and include it here in 
the Record for my colleague's attention.

[[Page E468]]

                   My Commitment to America's Future

       As I helped my grandma pack my grandpa's belongings, I 
     spotted an old, familiar shirt that Grandpa had loved to 
     wear. I picked up the shirt, pressed my face into its folds, 
     and breathed deeply. It smelled of mothballs, coffee beans, 
     and Grandpa. Suddenly, all the emotions I had been fighting 
     to contain all day welled up inside of me and threatened to 
     seep out in the form of tears. I pressed the shirt tighter 
     against my face. How I missed this wonderful man. I could 
     hardly walk a step through my grandparent's house without 
     being reminded of some memory. I remembered Grandpa cheering 
     me on enthusiastically as I played baseball in the backyard. 
     I remembered my excitement when Grandpa taught me how to 
     build sand tunnels on the beach. But of all the memories, my 
     fondest were those spent sitting next to Grandpa in his big 
     chair, listening to his stories. For some reason, the stories 
     that most captivated me were of my grandpa's escapades 
     fighting in the Korean War. It astounded me that, not only 
     had my grandpa wanted to fight, he even lied about his eye 
     problem so that he could join the conflict. I asked him once 
     why he didn't just stay home where it was safe. His answer 
     was profound and has never left me. He stated simply, 
     ``Honey, I owe such a great debt to this country for the 
     freedom and opportunities she has given me. My father was 
     born in Norway and my mother was born in Ireland. They came 
     here to provide a better life for me. I wanted to do my part 
     to make sure that those same freedoms and opportunities I 
     have been blessed with, were available for my children and 
     grandchildren to enjoy.''
       My grandpa, as well as so many other dedicated men and 
     women who fought for our country, completely embody to me the 
     quote by Thomas Paine which states, ``If there be trouble, 
     let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.'' My 
     generation would not have been able to enjoy so many of the 
     opportunities, privileges, and peaceful times in our day had 
     our forefathers not made a commitment to preserve them in 
     theirs. Just as so many battles have been fought in the past 
     to preserve America's future, today we are still fighting for 
     the same reason. However, the battles we fight on a daily 
     basis are of a different kind. Sometimes they've even so 
     subtle that we don't eves recognize our foes.
       The youth of today are under constant bombardment from many 
     such disguised enemies. From the many harmful images 
     portrayed by the media, to the dangerous substances readily 
     available from our peers, it is evident that daily life for 
     the average teenager has become a battleground. Yet the youth 
     of today are destined to become the leaders of tomorrow. If 
     we are to successfully carry on the bright torch of freedom, 
     then we must prepare ourselves today. We need to be an active 
     member of our community by becoming involved in community 
     service, activities, or programs. We need to be aware of the 
     world around us, so that we will be able to make educated 
     decisions when we enter the voting pool. It is also very 
     important to pursue a quality education, so that we will be 
     able to find success and have A stronger voice in the 
     decisions we make. We must ready ourselves to step forth and 
     overcome the challenges that will inevitably face us. For 
     after all, as Wycleaf Jean stated, ``We must be the change 
     that we wish to see in the world.''
       I am like my grandpa in that I too owe such a great debt to 
     my country. My grandpa was given opportunities that his 
     parents never had, and he used every opportunity to its 
     utmost and then gave back by serving his country and 
     improving the lives of his fellowmen. I have even more 
     privileges, freedoms, and opportunities because of the path 
     previously paved by my grandpa. I enjoy luxuries he never 
     did. I have time and resources he never had. By following my 
     grandpa's example and by using my opportunities to be the 
     best I can be, I will be prepared to serve my country in 
     various capacities, to have a greater influence for good on 
     those around me, and to show my commitment to America's 
     future. I will not let the sacrifices of our forefathers be 
     in vain.
       I will show my gratitude for the sacrifices made by my 
     grandpa, along with so many other great men and women, by 
     taking advantage of the many privileges given to me. These 
     privileges came at a very dear price, paid for with pain, 
     blood, and even human lives. By taking advantage of the many 
     opportunities I have been given, just as my Grandpa, I too 
     will be able to preserve the many freedoms and opportunities 
     that I have been blessed with for my children and all future 
     generations to enjoy.

                          ____________________