[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8680-8681]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   MS. KINYA EFURD WINS THE VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SCRIPT-WRITING CONTEST

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                           HON. TOM A. COBURN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 1999

  Mr. COBURN. Mr. Speaker, each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars of 
the United States and its Ladies Auxiliary conduct the Voice of 
Democracy script-writing contest. This year more than 80,000 secondary 
school students across the nation competed for fifty-six national 
scholarships by writing about the theme ``My Service to America.'' It 
is with great

[[Page 8681]]

pleasure that I announce that the winner from the State of Oklahoma is 
Ms. Kinya Efurd, a Junior at Eufaula High School in Eufaula, Oklahoma. 
Kinya, the daughter of Jerry and Vicki Efurd, is active in the Honor 
Society, Student Council, Band, and Future Farmers of America. Kinya's 
description of how her uncle, a veteran of World War II and the 
Normandy Invasion, served our country and her vision of personal 
service to America is both a reminder of those who have sacrificed so 
much and a call to all Americans to strive to continually serve our 
great nation. I am submitting Ms. Efurd's essay for the Record, so that 
my colleagues may have the opportunity to review and reflect upon her 
inspirational comments.

                       ``My Service to America''

       Like many other Saturday nights, I was on my way to the 
     theater and decided to see the new hit movie ``Saving Private 
     Ryan.'' My parents stopped me before I went in and warned me 
     that what I was about to see was extremely graphic and 
     violent. Evidently, they were visibly shaken by what they had 
     just viewed. My parents were unsure if they wanted me to see 
     what some say is the most accurate portrayal of war ever 
     filmed. I told them I would be fine because I had seen those 
     other bloody movies before, so in fact, I thought I had seen 
     it all.
       From the very beginning this became more than just a movie 
     to me. I immediately remembered the story of my great-uncle 
     being part of the Normandy Invasion. I have been told that he 
     was awarded the bronze star, for an act of bravery, during 
     that battle. No one knows what he did to gain that district 
     honor. He has never told anyone about the horror that he 
     experienced. After seeing this movie I feel I have a stronger 
     appreciation of not only what my uncle did, but also the 
     thousands of others who have served America.
       Perhaps, I may never serve my country in headed battle. 
     However, I know other ways to serve with honor and dignity. I 
     strongly believe that as an American citizen I can and must 
     serve my country in my own way to benefit future generations.
       As a teenager what can I do now to serve my country? The 
     answer to this question is as simple as getting an education. 
     This means going, participating, and believing that this is 
     not a right, but a privilege. Attending school and filling my 
     head with knowledge that will prepare me for the real world 
     is critical. Undoubtedly, school and education will give me 
     the values and knowledge I need to reach my goals. Also, 
     education has given me the power to believe that I can become 
     whatever my heart leads me to be. I may want to be a doctor, 
     a teacher, or even a social worker. I might even become the 
     best stay-at-home mom there is. My parents have always told 
     me that education is the key to success.
       How can I serve America? Exercising my right to vote is a 
     responsibility of being an American citizen. When electing 
     politicians, people should expect that their voice will be 
     represented with honor and dignity. My one vote is just one 
     step in the stairway to better America.
       How else can I serve America? Personally, I would love to 
     become a politician. A great honor for me would be standing 
     up and speaking out for what I believe in. I might become the 
     first woman President of the United States of America or 
     maybe just the president of the PTA. No matter what I become, 
     I know that I will carry with me the same honor, loyalty, and 
     respect portrayed by my forefathers for their country.
       I may never understand how my uncle felt that dreadful day 
     and I probably never will. I do know that sitting through a 
     movie that portrays war that real has changed the way I feel 
     for him, and the many other veterans. The respect I feel for 
     my flag has also been enhanced. It was increased when I 
     attended an FFA camp. I had the honor of being selected as a 
     speaker for the flag lowering ceremony.
       The small part I said made me realize what our flag really 
     means. It stands for the freedom, the happiness, and the 
     sadness for which our country stands. I realized that putting 
     my hand over my heart and saying the Pledge of Allegiance is 
     not a chore, but an honor. Our flag is a precious symbol for 
     America, and it is my duty always to be proud of it.
       I hope one day I can stand up and speak to thousands of 
     people all over the world. I know that I cannot help 
     everyone, but if I can help at least one person my dream will 
     be fulfilled. I would also love to speak with teenagers and 
     let them know that our nation does care for them and believe 
     in them. People may think that this is a big dream for such a 
     young women, but I say dreams are limitless. I also believe 
     with the Lord's power and his will behind me, and the 
     encouragement of my church and family members, the sky is the 
     limit.
       I may never stand on the field of honor as my uncle did and 
     receive a bronze star, but if my service to America or my 
     community can make a difference in one persons' life, then my 
     responsibility for serving my country will have begun.

     

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