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[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 82 (Wednesday, May 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                 SOUTH DAKOTA VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNER

                                 ______

                            HON. TIM JOHNSON

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 1995
  Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Becky Fischer of 
Eureka, SD, was recently selected as a State winner in the Voice of 
Democracy broadcast script writing contest conducted each year by the 
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its ladies auxiliary. 
The contest theme for this year was ``My Vision for America,'' and of 
the more than 126,000 secondary school students who participated in 
this year's contest, Becky was also named a winner at the national 
level. Mr. Speaker, I'm inserting Becky's winning script in the 
Congressional Record. She deserves to be commended for her exceptional 
efforts in writing this script and participating in this contest. 
Becky's insights and enthusiasm will serve as a model to others her 
age:
                         My Vision for America

       Picture a small child, and in his busy little hands, a 
     fragile, crystal antique vase. Unless this child has been 
     properly educated in the handling, care, and value of this 
     vase, the owner of this treasure would be extremely nervous. 
     Americans are permitting every child in the United States to 
     grasp a vase--this ``vase'' is our future. These children 
     must be prepared today to meet and conquer the challenges of 
     tomorrow. The future of America is held in the hands of the 
     children; therefore, my vision for America includes a 
     brighter, bolder, well-educated society achieved by what the 
     children are experiencing today.
       In order to fulfill my vision for America, we must take 
     care of the children. Teaching children to take care of their 
     bodies by following wise health habits will build their 
     strength and endurance. If a child is not physically strong 
     enough to hold the vase, it could drop and shatter. If the 
     children of America are not physically sound, dreams for 
     America's future could be crushed.
       We must also take care of America's children emotionally. A 
     child must possess a strong sense of self-confidence, 
     believing in himself and his ability to contribute to 
     society. Henry Ford said, ``Don't find fault--Find a 
     remedy.'' We must build a child's self esteem. Consider I 
     Thessalonians 5:11, ``Therefore encourage one another and 
     build each other up * * *'' If a child believes he can 
     accomplish his goals, whether it be carrying a priceless 
     antique or creating a better future for America, he will be 
     prepared to meet these goals.
       A strong education in our schools and homes is also 
     necessary for every American child to secure my vision for 
     America. Teachers and schools play a vital role in the 
     education of a child. With continued excellence in our 
     nation's schools, opportunities are unlimited for a child to 
     learn, adjust to change, and meet new challenges. By nature, 
     a child has an open mind and a willingness to ask questions. 
     A child will develop his own vision for America through a 
     solid education.
       Parents and family have the chief responsibility for 
     educating our children though. Children model themselves 
     largely on their parents. A parent must act like the type of 
     person they want their child to become since things parents 
     do
      and say strongly influence a child. If parents teach a child 
     how to support the vase by their own example, that child 
     will be able to hold the vase with confidence. If a parent 
     enstills a positive attitude in a child regarding the 
     American spirit, that child will look to this country's 
     future with energy and enthusiasm.
       My vision for America can be achieved in various ways. By 
     setting a good example, children will have footsteps to 
     follow. Along with their own experiences, future decisions 
     these children make will be determined by what they have 
     learned from our examples in their past. To preserve the 
     safety of the ``vase,'' we have the opportunity and the 
     responsibility to set a good example.
       Every American citizen must participate in preparing the 
     children for a successful future. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 
     said, ``Give what you have, to someone it may be better than 
     you dare think.'' Our nation is composed of unique 
     individuals, each with their own talents. We need to focus 
     these varied talents on the children; they need each and 
     every one of us. All of us together will help prepare these 
     children for the future.
       In conclusion, we are all now holding the ``vase,'' but we 
     must pass it on to the children of America. If we continue to 
     take care of the children, physically and emotionally, 
     provide a superior education for them in the schools and in 
     our homes, and set good examples, we are contributing 
     together to prepare our children for tomorrow. The future of 
     America is held in the hands of the children; therefore, my 
     vision for America includes a brighter, bolder, well-educated 
     society achieved by what the children are experiencing today.
     

                          ____________________
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