[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6411]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


    THAILA SCHUG HONORED FOR HER GOLD MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT IN THE 2012 
      AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA COMPETITION

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                         HON. C. W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 2013

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to 
Thaila Schug for her dedication to proving and showing patriotism in 
her community.
  Thaila's essay was entered into competition by Unit 14, and she won 
the 2012 American Legion Auxiliary Department of Florida gold medal for 
Class III (7th and 8th grade). Thaila wrote the winning essay, on the 
topic of ``How Can I Show My Patriotism in My Community'', while she 
was an eighth grader at St. Paul's Catholic School in St. Petersburg, 
Florida.
  I want to express to my colleagues how very excited I am for Thaila 
and her tremendous accomplishment. She is a superb example of the 
student leaders developing in the 13th District of Florida, which I 
have the privilege to represent. It is with great pride that I 
congratulate her on this great occasion.

       When you think of a patriotic deed, what do you think of? 
     You may believe it's sacrificing your life in war or standing 
     up for your belief and pride in our country, but our lives 
     have been influenced by patriotism even in our own 
     communities. American pride is American duty and only we can 
     sustain that. Since our own people make it possible to 
     celebrate America as it is today, we need to represent what 
     we are in the action we undertake.
       In my community, the simple actions are the most memorable. 
     Patriotism in my community is shown by saying the Pledge of 
     Allegiance every day before school and stopping to 
     acknowledge the National Anthem at sports events and saluting 
     and thanking those in our country who have served in the 
     Army. Not only can these be ways to show one's patriotism, 
     but I can show the pride I have in my country by collecting 
     food and donations for the Salvation Army or by even giving 
     clothes or help to those families who are struggling. In 
     addition, folding the American flag at the end of school and 
     singing the National Anthem before participation in sports 
     are also ways that we can show our patriotism in our 
     community. Also, many people in my community get together 
     once a year to see football games like Army versus Navy. Just 
     by showing your support for our troops in this way shows your 
     appreciation for our country in a way you enjoy. It doesn't 
     have to be an action you don't want to do. If you enjoy 
     baking, you can give your neighbor cupcakes with American 
     flags on top for Fourth of July or if your passion is playing 
     an instrument, play for those who want to listen.
        Not only can you show your patriotism in these ways, one 
     way I showed my patriotism is when I went to my mother's work 
     to see our returning troops come home from war. It was so 
     touching to see what people did for freedom, but what I 
     didn't realize is that other workers were looking toward me 
     with disbelief that I was there showing my country that I 
     respect and thank our troops for every day they had served. 
     Just by showing up, I revealed my patriotism to those 
     returning home and to me that was the best way I could have 
     shown it.

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