[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H3687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SPEECHES IN MISSOURI'S FOURTH DISTRICT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Rose). The Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Alford) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, the Congressional Art Competition began back 
in 1982, and since then more than 650,000 students have entered.
  As we speak, the winning art from 435 districts is being displayed in 
the tunnel here that connects our office buildings. Our office wanted 
to do something different, Mr. Speaker, something that would instill 
patriotism back in America, especially for our young people, so our 
Fourth Congressional District of Missouri is starting the congressional 
speech competition. I hope it catches on with other Members here.
  These are students from all over our district that have entered this 
contest. We had a big turnout for this. The assignment was: ``What 
America Means to Me.''
  This week, I will be reading the top 10 speeches from these 
individuals.


                        Speech by Maddie Arnett

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, this is from Maddie Arnett, 10th grade, 
Climax Springs High School in Camden County.
  `` `America the Beautiful' is a Nation that deeply values the 
principles of freedom and equality. These values were earned through 
tireless efforts of its people, making it a place where individuals can 
pursue their dreams and aspirations, working towards building a better 
life for themselves and their families. The iconic `Star-Spangled 
Banner' asks, `O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the 
land of the free and the home of the brave?'
  ``The question is a powerful reminder of the country's ongoing 
commitment to these values.
  ``While the interpretations of what America means vary, one thing is 
certain: It continues to inspire hope and optimism for a bright 
future.''


                      Speech by Brooklyn Garrison

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, next up in our speech contest is Brooklyn 
Garrison, 10th grade, Concordia High School in Lafayette County.
  ``America, to me, embodies the promise of opportunity and the pursuit 
of dreams. It's a land where diversity thrives, where people from all 
walks of life come together to build a better future.
  ``It's a beacon of freedom, where individuals have the right to speak 
their minds, worship as they please, and chase their ambitions without 
fear of persecution. America symbolizes resilience, overcoming 
challenges, and striving for progress.
  ``It's a place where innovation flourishes, where the impossible 
becomes possible, and where the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives.
  ``America is not just a country; it's an idea, a belief in liberty, 
equality, and the endless possibilities of tomorrow.''


                        Speech by Jaxson Deckard

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, our next winner in our speech contest is 
Jaxson Deckard, 11th grade, Warsaw High School in Benton County.
  ``Early on, I had an interest in serving my country to preserve our 
freedoms. I was raised in a patriotic, God-loving home, with family 
members serving before me.
  ``To me, America is a land of freedom. Citizens have the freedom to 
make their own decisions and opinions. This gives citizens pride and 
patriotism unlike any other country, pride and patriotism that gives 
citizens the drive to follow their dreams.
  ``My dream is to attend a military service academy to become a 
fighter pilot for our great Nation.
  ``Whatever your dreams are, I encourage you to chase them. In 
America, there are no limits to how far you can go.''


                        Speech by Jack Schroeder

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, our last finalist winner for today is Jack 
Schroeder, 12th grade, Smithton High School in Pettis County.
  ``To me, the United States of America is a beacon, a beacon that 
shines its light across the world, showing the world what life can be 
like: a life where everyone can have the same opportunities.
  ``Parts of the world have been blocked off from the light, whether 
from their actions or ours, but regardless of what blocks the light, we 
simply shine brighter.
  ``We've shown our capabilities of bringing our message and ideals to 
some of the darkest corners of the world, whether they be domestic or 
abroad.
  ``Regardless of what we must sacrifice, we've always held our ideals 
close to our hearts and fought for the repressed and oppressed people 
to have the same rights and liberties that we do.
  ``To me, America is a beacon of liberation.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is great to be able to get up here and speak the 
words of our young people.
  Patriotism is still alive in America.
  Later this week, Mr. Speaker, we will have the six remaining 
finalists for our speech contest. It is something I hope the rest of 
Congress picks up and runs with.

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