In Recognition of Sabrina Ussery

Floor Speech

SPEECH OF
HON. MIKE ROGERS
OF ALABAMA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on September 11, 2004, teens from around the Third District gathered on the campus of Jacksonville State University to remember the events of 9/11, and to reflect on the impact of those events on their life today.

One of the speakers that day was Sabrina Ussery, a twelfth grade student at Lanett High School in Lanett, Alabama. In honor of her words and in recognition of her gift for writing, I am placing her entire speech in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD so that others may have the opportunity to hear her thoughts about that fateful day.
The text of her speech is as follows. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the House's attention to this important matter on this important day.

ARMY JUNIOR ROTC: MOTIVATING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE BETTER CITIZENS

As freshmen, we entered Lanett's JROTC program without knowledge of how to serve ourselves, let alone our country. Also, being fourteen at the time of the 9/11 occurrences, fear, above all other responses, was the primary expression brought forth by the announcement made over our intercom that morning. Terrified as we were, we looked to our Army Instructors for answers. This is where our lives and experiences as well-rounded cadets began.

The core curriculum of the Army JROTC program at Lanett High School emphasizes the importance of a citizen's involvement in today's world at the local, state, and national levels. This curriculum teaches adolescents the responsibilities of being a citizen and offers opportunities for them to experience, first handedly, the reward of being informed. In an attempt to keep us up to date with our current events, classroom debates and/or discussions were held both in and out of class. These discussions sparked interests and opinions in our young minds as we began to ponder the idea of being, for the first time, independent minded individuals.

Our Army Instructors also encouraged us on a daily basis to volunteer and take part in community events: Color guard presentations, dedications of the flag, memorial services, etc. At this point, the instructors understood something we didn't. In our minds, the ideals and practices of patriotism and participation were nothing more than routines. It wasn't until the morning of 9/11 that we began to realize the purpose, meaning, and emotion behind being a cadet.

It was 9:52 A.M. when the intercom came on, and we expected a fellow cadet to recite the pledge as a part of our daily routine. To our surprise, it was our librarian reporting to the school the events of the morning. Out of confusion, our eyes fell upon Major McQueen, our Senior Army Instructor. Behind his common readjustment of his glasses, we saw tears beginning to roll down his cheeks. He then turned towards our classroom flag and saluted.

The temperature seemed to suddenly drop, and we were all frightened. As we stood and watched our hero, our teacher, our friend cry over such an announcement, we realized the importance and devastation behind the occurrences of the morning. We knew something wasn't right. It was then that maturity fell upon our shoulders.

As time passed, those students who were cadets during the time of 9/11 attacks became key leaders throughout the school and community in both deed and speech.

Now, not only do they hold their heads higher and walk with a prouder step, the Panther Battalion as a whole has taken it upon itself to become more involved in the community. We are now co-volunteers with current Junior Achievement participants in teaching elementary students the importance of their family, community, country, and world. In addition, the JROTC program at Lanett High has had the School Board of Education for Chambers County pass a mandatory requirement for incoming freshmen to complete and pass a minimum of one semester of the class. This has and will continue to aid in the raising up of well informed, active citizens in tomorrow's America. The Cadet Creed:

I am an Army Junior ROTC cadet.

I will always conduct myself to bring credit to my family, country, school, and the corps of cadets.

I am loyal and patriotic. I am the future of the United States of America.

I do not lie, cheat, or steal and will always be held accountable for my actions and deeds.

I will always practice good citizenship and patriotism.

I will work hard to improve my mind and strengthen my body.

I will seek the mantle of leadership and stand prepared to uphold the Constitution and the American way of life.

May God grant me the strength to always live by this creed."

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