[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8666]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  KAYLEIGH JACK, IDAHO STATE WINNER OF GOPUSA'S YOUNG PATRIOTS ESSAY 
                                CONTEST

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                       HON. C.L. ``BUTCH'' OTTER

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2003

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call the attention of my 
colleagues to a stirring essay written by a young woman from my 
district, Eagle High School senior Kayleigh Jack. She is this year's 
Idaho State winner of GOPUSA's Young Patriots Essay Contest. In 
describing a visit to New York City and her encounter with a homeless 
veteran named ``Sarge'' who was seeking shelter near Ground Zero, 
Kayleigh paints a stark picture of the visceral impact that the events 
of September 11, 2001, had on millions of Americans like Sarge who have 
sacrificed for our freedoms. More than that, her work provides a 
valuable and hopeful insight into the hearts and minds of young people 
like her. The lessons of the past truly are learned anew with each 
lifetime. Kayleigh's essay shows just how profound that earned wisdom 
can be. I am grateful for the help in understanding more clearly that 
there is a generation growing to adulthood that now grasps what makes 
America, its people, principles and institutions so great.

  Idaho State Winner--Kayleigh C. Jack Eagle, ID, Eagle High School, 
                           Public, 12th Grade

       On a cold cement step sits a scruffy man in heavy clothing. 
     A small American flag is propped atop his knapsack. Behind 
     him, a fading golden hue illuminates a gaping hole in the 
     earth where two magnificent towers once stood. For Sarge, it 
     will be another cold night in the Big Apple.
       On September 11, Americans were awakened to gleaming knives 
     slicing through America's seemingly impenetrable national 
     security. For older Americans, it was Pearl Harbor 
     reawakened. For younger Americans, like me, these were new 
     sounds, new visions--new feelings.
       During a recent trip to New York City, I felt a discomfort 
     when seeing Sarge, a homeless veteran, huddled near ground 
     zero. I again felt that same discomfort while staring into 
     the cold empty crevasse behind him. I later realized how much 
     the man and the victims of September 11 had in common; all 
     paid the price for freedom . . . for being Americans.
       All of my life, I've sat in the comfort of my secure home 
     and watched televised scenes from distant lands of people 
     whose loss of liberty meant the loss of life. But, until 
     September 11th, I've never been truly touched by these 
     images. Now, reflecting on September 11th and remembering 
     Sarge near ground zero, I feel threatened . . . and grateful.
       While flying home from New York, I thought about the 
     generosity and patriotism following September 11th. I 
     wondered about the flag in front of my home. Was I a good 
     American or just part of a passing national fervor? What 
     about Sarge? Outside the VA Hospital a sign reads, The Price 
     of Freedom is Visible Here. According to the National 
     Coalition for the Homeless, 40% of all homeless are veterans 
     . . . just like Sarge.
       In appreciating what it means to be an American, my brother 
     and I brought flowers to the Idaho State Veterans Home. 
     Inside, experts on the topic warmly shared their views: 
     respect the flag, constitution and one-another; be faithful; 
     appreciate blessings and liberties as well as those who 
     sacrificed for them; learn from the past; confront mistakes 
     and shortcomings--regardless the discomfort.
       While driving away, we passed a white-haired man pushing a 
     walker. When he smiled and flashed a thumbs up, something 
     said to turn back. His name was Bernard Wolff (WWII-Army). 
     Amid falling leaves and scurrying squirrels, we shared a 
     bench while he recounted exciting, yet tragic memories. 
     Softly, he said, ``Nothing worthwhile in life is free--
     especially freedom. The price is how we live it; being 
     informed, making votes count, finding common ground, not 
     taking anything for granted . . . making sacrifices.'' He 
     thanked us for making his day. But really, he made ours.
       I will always remember where I was on the morning of 
     September 11th. I will always remember Sarge sitting near 
     ground zero. I will not allow my 9/11 patriotism to become a 
     passing fad. I will regularly visit the Veterans Home with my 
     violin ensemble and take moments out of my life to honor 
     those who paid the ultimate price so this nation might remain 
     a beacon of hope for all who value freedom, justice, and 
     liberty. It is but a small price for me, but a huge part of 
     what it means to be an American. Conquered and oppressed are 
     countries who forget their heroes.

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