[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 23, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    WHAT AMERICA MEANS TO CODY SMITH

  (Mr. ALFORD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate our top 10 
speech writers for this year's Missouri's Fourth Congressional Speech 
Competition. They were chosen to write speeches on what America means 
to them. Today we are recognizing Cody Smith from Sturgeon High School 
in Boone County, Missouri.

       America represents many different things to different 
     people, depending on their backgrounds, experiences, and 
     perspectives. For me, it embodies a variety of values such as 
     equality, opportunity, and above all, freedom.
       America is a land of opportunity where simple hard work and 
     determination can lead to success. America represents a 
     melting pot of cultures, where anyone and everyone can come 
     together and thrive in harmony. It is a beacon of hope and 
     possibility where individuals can forge their own paths and 
     make meaningful contributions to their country.
       There is no other country in the world that I would rather 
     call home than America.

  I couldn't agree more with Cody.

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