[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E622-E623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     THE CONGRESSIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: A LEGACY OF SERVICE

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                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 2010

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues 
to join me in congratulating the 2009-2010 Congressional Youth Advisory 
Council. This year 45 students from public, private, and home schools 
in grades 9 through 12 made their voices heard and made a difference in 
their communities, their country and their Congress. These students 
volunteered their time, effort, and talent to inform me about the 
important issues facing their generation. As young leaders within their 
communities and their schools, these students boldly represent the 
promise and the hope we all have for their very bright future.
  President Ronald Reagan said, ``Freedom is never more than one 
generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in 
the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for 
them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling 
our children and our children's children what it was once like in the 
United States where men were free.''
  To ensure that the blessing of freedom is passed from one generation 
to the next, the members of the CYAC spent time interviewing a veteran 
and documenting the experience for the ``Preserving History Project.'' 
Today I'm proud to submit the brief summaries provided so the patriotic 
service of our dedicated veterans and the thoughtful work of the CYAC 
may be preserved for antiquity in the Congressional Record. A copy of 
each submitted student summary follows.
  To each member of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, thank you 
for making this year and this group a success. It is not a coincidence 
that this congressional tribute celebrates two generations of service. 
Each of you is trusted with the precious gift of freedom.
  You are the voices of the future and I salute you. God bless you and 
God bless America.
  The summary follows:

       American history, a resonant prize of the past, is a call 
     to duty for the future. The leaders who established freedom 
     in America have been succeeded by equally adroit and faithful 
     men and women. One such individual is the retired Colonel 
     Bill Knudsen, who served in the Air Force for 23 years, 
     spanning the Vietnam and the Cold Wars. The recipient of six 
     Air Medals, Mr. Knudsen flew along Vietcong trails to monitor 
     sensors, directed flights in Thailand, and spent three

[[Page E623]]

     years in Alaska as an Intelligence Officer. Mr. Knudsen's 
     family and military background reveals three paramount 
     principles: the contribution of leaders, the cost of freedom, 
     and the duty of citizens. Mr. Knudsen reflects the devotion 
     of leaders--ordinary individuals with humble and selfless 
     attitudes. As the benefactors of the gift of freedom, it is 
     our duty to responsibly elect dependable leaders and to 
     encourage military men and women. Because of dauntless 
     leaders, Americans are blessed with the unparalleled gift of 
     freedom. With the rich history of our nation and the devoted 
     leaders of our generation, we hold great expectations for the 
     continuance of duty, the cultivation of wisdom, and the 
     conservation of our freedom.--Michelle Kim

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