Joe Pitts: “As we celebrate the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July this weekend, I rise to talk about the students who…”

“As we celebrate the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July this weekend, I rise to talk about the students who will ensure that the United States remains a beacon of freedom throughout the world. This year I had the pleasure of nominating 25 young men and women from the 16th Congressional District of Pennsylvania to the United States military services academies. A number of those students were appointed to the academies. This week, those young men and women will start a journey; four years of study at premier institutions of higher learning, followed by active duty in the United States Armed Forces. Throughout their 4 years, they will not only study academics but prepare themselves militarily and physically for service to the Nation as military officers. They are living proof that patriotism is alive at the turn of the millennium, and they are tomorrow's leaders. Therefore, I would like to join their parents and friends in saluting these outstanding students.”