[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 26010-26011]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    HONORING CITIZENSHIP AND SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 3, 2000

  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the final days of the 106th 
Congress, I would like to address what it means to be a citizen of 
these United States. America's national character has always been 
defined by hard work, discipline and commitment to a higher goal. These 
ideals have convinced patriots throughout our history to serve their 
nation and defend freedom and the rule of law in every corner of the 
globe. They have also inspired ordinary citizens to dedicate themselves 
to improving the lives of their neighbors through service to their 
communities.
  With Veterans' Day now a week away, it is appropriate to pause and 
reflect on the service and sacrifice that so many of our citizens have 
made in defense of freedom. Tragically, this service has often exacted 
a terrible price. On October 12, 2000, seventeen American sailors gave 
their lives when a terrorist bomb exploded near the U.S.S. Cole, a Navy 
destroyer moored in Aden, Yemen. I extend my condolences to the 
families of those who died and my heart felt appreciation to all those 
who wear the uniform of America's armed forces. Your dedicated service 
ensures our nation's continued prosperity and well-being.
  The obligation to serve one's nation is an important component of 
citizenship but it is not the sole domain of those who wear the uniform 
of the United States' armed forces. On the contrary, service comes in 
many forms. Participation in one's local government, church or charity 
is an important aspect of service to the nation. Active involvement in 
the lives of our families is an often overlooked and neglected aspect 
of service. Whatever the calling, selfless service to a higher goal 
satisfies an important obligation that we all have as citizens of our 
great nation.
  As we approach Election Day 2000, it is important to recognize 
another equally important component of citizenship: Our right and duty 
to vote. Plato said, ``The price of apathy towards public affairs is to 
be ruled by evil men.'' In our form of democracy, liberty cannot be 
preserved without the participation of the

[[Page 26011]]

electorate. Yet, sadly, many of our citizens fail to exercise their 
right and responsibility to cast their vote for those who would govern 
them. This ambivalence erodes the rigor of our democracy and can lead 
to disastrous results for our nation. On Tuesday, November 7, 2000, 
honor your fathers and their fathers before them by exercising your 
civic responsibility at the voting booth.
  The most visible and enduring symbol of a strong, active American 
citizenry is our flag, the Stars and Stripes. Two hundred and twenty-
three years after Congress first authorized the flag, it stands as a 
powerful symbol of our Republic, the courage of those who have defended 
it, and the resolve of Americans to protect their freedom. It is a 
mighty symbol, not only to the citizens of this great nation, but also 
to those abroad who see it flying at our embassies or on the ships of 
our naval fleet.
  The Continental Congress resolved that, ``The flag of the United 
States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 
thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new 
constellation.'' This blueprint is representative of the unity that we 
have been able to forge in this melting pot of cultures, ethnic groups, 
and races. Regardless of where our families originated from, the rich 
heritage that they brought with them and the uniquely American culture 
that they have forged, represents one of our greatest strengths.
  America is still recognized as the land of opportunity and some of 
our proudest citizens are the newest Americans. Dr. Lorne A. Schnell, 
the father of a member of my Congressional staff, was one of these 
proud new Americans. Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, Dr. Schnell 
and his wife, Joanne, have lived in Bourbonnais, Illinois since 1984. 
Steadfastly proud of his Canadian heritage, he made the decision to 
become an American citizen last year. Dr. Schnell flew his American 
flag with unabashed pride and he was eagerly looking forward to voting 
in this first election next week. Sadly, this proud new American passed 
away suddenly on October 12, 2000, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  Dr. Schnell's life embodied the tenets of citizenship that I have 
discussed above. After a thirty-six year career in the pharmaceutical 
industry, he chose to dedicate his retirement years to serving his 
community. A gifted musician, avid golfer and talented woodworker, Dr. 
Schnell nonetheless committed countless hours to improving the lives of 
the people in his community. He worked hard to establish the Kankakee 
Valley Youth Orchestra and his vision was finally realized this summer. 
He also served on his church board of trustees and taught English as a 
second language to new immigrants.
  President Richard Nixon said, ``We must always remember that America 
is a great nation today not because of what government did for people 
but because of what people did for themselves and for one another.'' 
President Nixon's words embody the spirit of individual service and 
honor the extraordinary contributions of ordinary citizens like Dr. 
Lorne A. Schnell.
  Liberty, justice, freedom and opportunity. These are not just idle 
words, they are the fundamental principles that make our Republic 
unique. Embrace these ideals and honor our forefathers by participating 
in the governance of your town, county, state and country. Volunteer 
your time and serve your community. Stand and proudly salute as your 
nation's flag passes by and instill in your children what it means to 
be an American citizen.
  Citizenship is one of our nation's greatest strengths; it gives our 
nation's democracy vitality and longevity. As we face the uncertainties 
and challenges of the third millennium, the strength and character of 
the American citizenry provides us with the foundation to move forward 
as a nation. President Abraham Lincoln once said, ``Whatever you are, 
be a good one.'' Heed President Lincoln's words by committing yourself 
to being an active participant in the well-being of your family and 
your community. Your dedicated service will help ensure the continuing 
prosperity of our great nation.

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