[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING KRISTEN MURPHY ON WINNING THE PATRIOTISM ESSAY CONTEST

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 9, 2004

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to recognize 
Kristen Murphy and congratulate her on winning the top national award 
for the Fleet Reserve Patriotism Essay Contest.
  As a typical 18-year-old from Pensacola, Florida, she usually joined 
the rest of her community celebrating America's most patriotic holiday, 
the 4th of July, by spending time with friends and family, and 
participating in traditional Pensacola events. Little did she know that 
one day soon, her father, Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Scott Murphy, 
would be deployed to Iraq. From that day forth, ``patriotism'' took on 
a whole new meaning to Kristen.
  Starting out as a class assignment and 350 words later written on 
``What Patriotism Means to Me,'' she took home the top national award, 
earning more than $20,000 in savings bonds from the Fleet Reserve 
Association.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to share with you 
Kristen's award winning essay.
  ``When I think of the word patriotism, many images and words come to 
mind. Over this past year, though, the actual meaning of the word has 
changed considerably for me. A year ago, patriotism simply meant 
hanging an American flag on our flagpole in the front yard and 
barbecuing out on the Fourth of July. Since my dad has been deployed 
and is now stationed overseas in the heat of battle, my perception of 
patriotism has changed drastically. Patriotism no longer means showing 
support for my country through waving a flag during a Fourth of July 
parade. It has now become a way of life.
  A year ago, patriotism meant knowing that many nameless, faceless 
soldiers did their job to keep me free. It meant going to the Blue 
Angels show on the beach or showing support for my country through a 
bumper sticker or a ribbon attached to my car antenna. It meant knowing 
that I lived in a free country where I enjoyed more rights than most 
but not caring how I got those rights.
  But now, that meaning has changed. Patriotism means knowing that my 
dad and others like him are fighting for our freedom, and it means 
being behind them 100 percent. It means honoring all those that have 
fought for this great country and knowing that I am free and safe 
because of them. It means realizing that without our brave soldiers and 
courageous leaders, we would not be the great country that we are 
today. It means living life every day knowing that thousands of men 
like my dad are the only reason why I can get up every morning and know 
I am free. Patriotism now means being truly proud that I was born and 
live in the greatest country in the world and that I am protected 
because of the greatest military in the world. Patriotism now means 
being truly proud of my dad and knowing he is doing his job for me.''
  Mr. Speaker, these words are an inspiration to all who hear them. On 
behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to congratulate Miss 
Kristen Murphy on her national achievement and for sharing a glimpse of 
what patriotism means to her with the rest of our great Nation. May God 
bless all of our military men and women overseas and may God bless 
America.

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