Delaware House Journal
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Mr. Speaker Riddagh declared a recess for the purpose of changing the recording tape. Representative Gordy introduced and brought HCR 89, co-sponsored by Representative West; Senators Cordrey &: Littleton, before the House for consideration. HCR 89 - Joining in the Congratulations to Joe Ben Hudson, of Mission, Sussex County, as He Observes His 106th Birthday on January 26, 1980. HCR 89 was adopted by voice vote and sent to the Senate for concurrence. Representative Connor introduced and brought HCR 90, co-sponsored by Representatives Van Seiver, Maroney, McBride, Sincock &: Senator Weiss, before the House for consideration. HCR 90 - Congratulating Regina Ciritella, a Student at St. Elizabeth's High School, on Winning the 1979-80 "Voice of Democracy" Contest Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. WHEREAS, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, its Ladies Auxiliary, and cooperating National and State Associations of Broadcasters offer every high school in the country an opportunity to involve its students in the "Voice of Democracy" National Broadcast Scriptwriting Scholarship Program; and WHEREAS, this year's theme, "My Role in America's Future," focuses the attention of youth on their role as the leaders of tomorrow, and how their guidance will preserve democracy as a way of life in our Republic; and WHEREAS, this is the 33rd annual "Voice of Democracy" scholarship program, which is the largest program of its type in the United States, involving winners from the fifty states along with a winner from Washington, D.C., one from Panama and one from the general Pacific area; and WHEREAS, the last weekend in February is set aside for the selection of the national winner, which is coordinated with the Conference of National Officers of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and their State Commanders, in Washington, D.C.; and WHEREAS, the winner will personally give his or her speech on the !st Tuesday in March at a Congressional banquet in Washington, D.C. at which the President of the United States is expected to be in attendance; and WHEREAS, Delaware's "Voice of Democracy" winner, Miss Regina Ciritella, from St. Elizabeth's High School, was recently selected on Sunday, January 13, 1980, from a list of four semi-finalists representing the City of Wilmington, New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County; and WHEREAS, the Delaware "Voice of Democracy" contest chairman Mr. Thomas 8. Nolan; assistant chairman Don Addor; Ladies Auxiliary chairperson Veronica Carney; along with the district chairman, Service Officer for the Veterans Administration in Delaware, Mr. Elmer Saxton; and state officers are to be congratulated for the fine job they did in organizing and carrying out the contest in the State of Delaware. NOW, THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 130th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that congratulations are hereby extended to Miss Regina Ciritella for being the First Place Winner in Delaware's "Voice of Democracy" contest. 17 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor and the General Assembly of the State of Delaware wish her the very best of luck in her pursuit of the 1979-80 national "Voice of Democracy" scholarship award. Representative Connor requested and was granted the privilege of the floor for Regina Ciritella. Miss Ciritella read the following award-winning speech before the House: My View on Involvement My personal experience in the United States is so minimal that at first it didn't seem as if there were that much I myself could do to affect its future. This country has always fascinated me because of its large size. There are so many different people here, and yet this country functions as a whole. When people study history, most of what they learn is taught in a general view. There are a few people who are studied individually because of the effect their lives had on the people they were involved with. People like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, or Martin Luther King. I never looked at myself as being able to influence my country in such a grand style as they did. But now I realize that isn't fair to say, about me or anyone. I believe the education I've had in this country has formulated my present attitude. That attitude is that every single person in this country affects the future of us all in some way. And that includes me. I asked myself the question, "What are my responsibilities as a citizen growing up in America?" It occurred to me that there are two that stand out as very important. These two responsibilities are so closely related that it's very difficult to see any difference between them. They both are vital to each other, they are a team. The first cannot work without the second, and the second doesn't exist without the first. My first responsibility is to get an education. I have a responsibility to learn all about the things I am or may come in contact with. Besides studying such topics as physics, English, and sociology (to name a few) it's important to study this country: to study America's history, its people, and its makings. My second responsibility involves what I do with this knowledge. I must do something with what I've learned. It seems that the one word that is most important in carrying out my responsibilities, is the one word that turns most people away. The word is INVOLVEMENT. I must involve myself in the things I've studied. It's my second responsibility. It's my choice. And when I choose to become involved, I choose to affect the future. There are many young people who involve themselves outside of the classroom with people who share their ideals. There are students involved with groups against nuclear power, and in groups for nuclear power. There are young people who express beliefs about such issues as discrimination, drugs, and abortion. There are students involved in groups for women's rights, and students involved in bettering their neighborhoods and their environment. In addition to these groups that young people give their time freely to, some jobs may allow young people to contribute to and understand more fully their role in America's future. 18 For example, in many of our cities students can find jobs as errand runners for various law firms. They run messages, affidavits, and other materials to other law firms and to the different courts. They have a first hand look at how this country's judicial system works, and at the same time are learning the practical value of the dollar. Another example of how a job can show a young person's integrity is counseling at a summer camp. In this situation young people spend time asserting their leadership qualities, giving example to younger children, and developing a sense of worth at having accomplished something good. These young people have the responsibility of controlling the children they are in charge of. Probably the best part of this job is the chance to share, the chance to share talents and imagination. And sharing is involvement. Through these issues and jobs it is possible for me and others to take a stand, and through them I can have a role in America's future. Therefore I am on my way to fulfilling my two responsibilities. People can study, think, and talk all they like. But if no one gets involved, then it doesn't mean a thing. Submitted by: Regina Ciritella St. Elizabeth High School Wilmington, Delaware HCR 90 was adopted by voice vote and sent to the Senate for concurrence. Representative Connor introduced and brought HCR 91, co-sponsored by Representatives Sincock & McBride in behalf of All Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, before the House for consideration. HCR 91 - Welcoming Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr., National Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, to Delaware and to the Regular Session of the 130th General Assembly. WHEREAS, the State of Delaware is honored today with a visit by Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr., National Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and WHEREAS, Commander-in-Chief Vander Clute is attending today's session of the 130th General Assembly as a part of his official visit to the First State; and WHEREAS, the role of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in our national history is continually significant as this organization seeks to serve our veterans who have fought outside their country and helps to keep us alert to potential danger; and WHEREAS, we appreciate the presence today at our meeting of Commander-in-Chief Vander Clute and, speaking for all of the people of Delaware, we invite him to return at his convenience. NOW, THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 130th General Assembly, the Senate concurring, that we welcome Howard E. Vander Clute, National Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, to Delaware and to today's regular session of the 130th General Assembly. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be presented to Commander-in-Chief Vander Clute. Representative Connor requested and was granted the privilege of the floor for Howard E. Vander Clute, Jr., Commander-in-Chief of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 19 HCR 91 was adopted by voice vote and sent to the Senate for concurrence. Representative Ambrosino introduced and brought HR 137 before the House for consideration. HR 137 - Providing for the Payment of Mileage Reimbursement to Members of the House of Representatives of the 130th General Assembly.