[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 35 (Monday, March 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E282-E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING CHELSEA BATEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 3, 2008

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exemplary 
student Ledyard, Connecticut, Chelsea Bateman. On March 3 and 4, 2008. 
Chelsea will represent Connecticut in this year's Veterans of Foreign 
Wars, VFW, Voice of Democracy national scholarship competition in 
Washington, DC.
  For over six decades, the VFW has hosted the Voice of Democracy 
scholarship program for high school students from around the Nation. 
Every year, this program encourages students to reflect on ideas of 
patriotism and democracy in their essays. Thousands of students from 
Connecticut and across the Nation submitted responses to the 2007-2008 
theme, ``My Role in Honoring America's Veterans'', which were evaluated 
at the local, regional, and State levels. Chelsea's audio essay was 
selected among thousands of submissions to represent the State of 
Connecticut at the VFW's Voice of Democracy national scholarship 
competition in Washington, DC.
  Chelsea's response to this year's theme, ``My Role in Honoring 
America's Veterans'',

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explores the significance of common, everyday actions that we all can 
take to honor our Nation's veterans. She contends that honoring our 
veterans in national day of celebration is important, but extending our 
support in simple everyday actions is perhaps the best way that we can 
display our gratitude.
  Chelsea reflects on these ideas, discussing a visit to her WWII 
veteran grandfather, Pepe, at his retirement home. On the visit, she 
realized the impact of the smallest encouraging gesture from a nurse 
and the simple act of the family's visit had on her veteran 
grandfather. Through expressions of love, encouragement, and general 
thoughtfulness we are all able to honor America's veterans.
  Simple actions can produce profound effects. Chelsea's insights will 
not only work to honor America's veterans, but will produce a kinder, 
more thoughtful society. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues to 
join with me and my constituents in recognizing Chelsea's achievement 
and fulfilling her ideas on honoring our Nation's veterans.

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