[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 22]
[House]
[Page 29846]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      SERVICE ACADEMY APPLICATIONS

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PITTS. Madam Speaker, all too often we come to this floor to talk 
about problems in the country. Today, however, I want to mention some 
good news about the future of America and the next generation of 
patriotic men and women.
  In my district this year, applications to the military service 
academies increased by 30 percent. Today's youth, more than ever, are 
looking to serve this country. And our academies are among the finest 
universities in the world.
  While it may seem counterintuitive that a nation at war would see 
increased interest in military service, I think that we have remarkable 
young people who value the sacrifices made by previous generations. 
They know the value of freedom and liberty and are willing to defend 
these precious gifts. They're willing to serve a cause greater than 
themselves.
  We just celebrated Thanksgiving, and I believe we need to be thankful 
for men and women who are eager to wear the uniform and become leaders 
in our military services.

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