[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1151]]
                          PRECIOUS PATRIOTISM

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                          HON. WALTER B. JONES

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2004

  Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to share an 
essay with you today, it was written by a young man from the 3rd 
District of North Carolina which I proudly represent. James Waters, a 
10th grade student at West Carteret High School in Morehead City, NC, 
submitted his essay in a contest held by the Fleet Reserve Association 
and was chosen as an overall winner. I feel his words embody the spirit 
of what it means to be an American.

                          Precious Patriotism

                           (By James Waters)

       On the morning of April 19, 1775, American colonists fought 
     their first battle with the British redcoats, a prelude to 
     the bloody American Revolution. What incited these average 
     colonists with the heart to stand up to the entire British 
     army? What possessed them to break away from the tyrannical 
     country of Great Britain? The name of this ever-living 
     phenomenon is patriotism.
       As people develop a profound pride for their country, 
     patriotism develops simultaneously as a side effect. 
     Patriotism is the heart-willing urge to defend the pillars of 
     justice, opportunity, and equality that our nation 
     symbolizes. Although America is young, she has faced 
     influential conflicts throughout the past centuries. America 
     is continually facing global obstacles at this very moment. 
     Patriotism can be defined as forever standing with America 
     through turmoil and supporting all that is to be asked of 
     America's citizens for the growth of our country. Citizens 
     can illustrate patriotism by striving for individual success. 
     Patriotism is a synonym for staying informed and 
     participating in government as an active citizen. As a 
     zealous patriot of our nation, I will voice my opinion of 
     issues. I will go to the polls to vote, and I will preserve 
     to be a productive citizen.
       My patriotism comprises the values of respect. Our country 
     has progressed as it has due to generations of others. 
     Patriotism is vividly evident in our nation's veterans. I 
     will support our veterans who have exemplified their own 
     patriotism and those who have paid the ultimate price of 
     freedom--life. Patriotism is leaving home to fight for just 
     ideas, not knowing if you will return. It is enduring bullets 
     in a battle. It is sleeping on the front lines with the 
     uncertainty of waking up. All veterans deserve the maximum 
     quantity of respect as we continue to live under their 
     previous endeavors.
       Patriotism is embedded within the citizens of America. 
     Patriotism shapes the citizens and all-around morale of 
     America. America is a block of ice. Patriotism is the chisel 
     that shapes America into a beautiful sculpture that stands 
     for liberty and justice for all.

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