[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 34 (Tuesday, March 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CHRISTOPHER FILLYAW

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 2011

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 12-year-old 
Christopher Fillyaw, of Waterville, Maine, and his participation in 
Civic Day 2010 at the Alfond Youth Center, in Waterville, Maine.
  On Civic Day 2010, 8 students from Benton Elementary School shadowed 
civic leaders to learn about the important work that they do to serve 
their communities. I was very impressed with Christopher's comments 
during a ceremony honoring our troops and would like to enter his 
remarks into the Record:

       I would like to start out by saying Thank You to all of our 
     brave men and women and their families in the military. They 
     risk their lives and the lives of their families and fight 
     everyday to ensure the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy 
     and sometimes take for granted. If it were not for these 
     brave men and women who serve our country so well, who knows 
     where we would be today.
       We really owe them so much more than they receive, for 
     every day is a struggle and the hardships they have to endure 
     while they are in enemy's territory away from loved ones and 
     unfamiliar grounds and then here at home getting readjusted 
     to fit back into their own surroundings. There are no words 
     to describe how important of a job they have and the 
     sacrifices they have to make to do their jobs. It is really 
     amazing. This is one of the hardest and most unbearable jobs 
     in the world to risk the life of your own and the stability 
     of your own family in hopes to save and secure the American 
     way.
       I hope that when I grow up I can pay a little something 
     back in some way to show how much I thank them for making my 
     life and my family's life safer.

  Chris's comments ring true and showcase the next generation's respect 
for the sacrifice made by those who keep all of us safe here at home.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the words of Christopher 
Fillyaw and his commitment to public service.

                          ____________________