[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E624-E625]
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

[[Page E625]]

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:

       Horace Easton Bradford is a Texas veteran who fought in 
     World War Two. He joined the military right out of high 
     school in 1941 because he believed it was the right and 
     patriotic choice. During his military career, Mr. Bradford 
     obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant and fought in Northern 
     Africa and Europe in WWII. His job was to maintain and 
     oversee airplane maintenance and service. Planes had to be in 
     the best condition before they could fly out and perform 
     missions and assignments. Although it was hard work, Staff 
     Sergeant Bradford was able to explore a totally different 
     area of the world while serving the country he loved.
       Discovering Horace Bradford's experiences in combat in a 
     major world war was truly a life changing experience for me. 
     Reading history in textbooks is nothing compared to an 
     individual's personal encounter with history. I was able to 
     use my background knowledge in U.S. history to understand his 
     experiences in WWII. I could feel his compassion and his 
     dedication to the Army. His service in wartime helped 
     reinforce my appreciation to all servicemen who have fought 
     in world conflicts.--Richard Hung

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