[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 48 (Thursday, March 22, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E419-E420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             JACK SILLIMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RANDY HULTGREN

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2012

  Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
in honor of U.S. Marine, Jack Silliman. Tragically, Jack was killed 
during the Vietnam War. In 1961, when Jack was still a boy in the 7th 
grade he wrote a winning speech that was presented to President John F. 
Kennedy.
  I submit Jack's speech.

                      What I Can Do for My Country

       Madam president, honorable judges, fellow C.Y.C.L. members, 
     parents, teachers and

[[Page E420]]

     friends, The subject of my speech is, ``What I Can Do For My 
     Country''.
       First of all I can be a good citizen. I can honor and 
     respect the flag of the United States in which I live. I can 
     be proud of our president and his ten cabinet members.
       When I am ready to vote I should know and understand the 
     rules of voting. I should think of the privilege I have of 
     being able to cast a free and secret ballot.
       In being a good citizen I should allow each person to speak 
     his own opinion.
       I can give help to the ill and friendless.
       I must help make safety rules for my community and endeavor 
     to carry them out.
       Second, I should get the best education possible by 
     learning the principles of my classroom.
       I can learn to enjoy the company of others.
       I must do my best to understand the governmental problems 
     of my nation.
       I can read and listen to the news and current events of my 
     state and nation.
       I can take an active part in political affairs and learn 
     all I can about them.
       I must learn all I can about the science and 
     progressiveness of other nations as well as my own.
       I must be able to contribute to the defense effort.
       Third, I must keep myself physically fit by eating the 
     right kinds of food, getting the right amount of sleep and 
     correct exercise, and avoiding the use of those things 
     harmful to me.
       I must train myself so as to make a real contribution to 
     the defense of my country in the fields of science and 
     education.
       In conclusion, I can be a good citizen, get the best 
     education possible and keep myself physically fit.
       Thank you.

                          ____________________