And in my own life, in my own small way, I've tried to give back to this country that has given me so much. That's why I left a job at a law firm for a career in public service, working to empower young people to volunteer in their communities. Because I believe that each of us - no matter what our age or background or walk of life - each of us has something to contribute to the life of this nation.
quote by Michelle Obama
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Related quotes
Soroptimist International
I have found friends, friends who care,
They live the whole world over.
Women who love life,
Women who are strong,
Women who help women,
Empower, empower, empower.
As a young woman, I needed
Help, encouragement and to be empowed.
I was struggling as a single mom
Working full time and oh so tired
With two children by the hand - when
The Soroptimist Training Award
Chosen, I was chosen, It was mine.
The next semester courses were paid for
With the help I received, no longer did I worry for
I completed my diploma and onward to my goal!
Working hard in social service agencies
Helping others as I could
Finally the day arrived when a Ph.D. was mine.
Thirteen years in private family counselling
Children grown and doing well
I returned to the place where it all started
To Soroptimists and I must tell -
The story of my award and the life it brought to me
Through kind and loving women
Who care when it seems there is no sign.
I am excited with each step
As I learn and go forward
Women teaching women and
Women helping women
It is my time to give
My time to empower women with
An organization I believe in.
To take on the challenges of life
Domestic violence and trafficking
So demoralizing to women and their children
Public education, important as it is
Educate all who will listen to the stats and stories told.
We all know of the hardships women endure
So, give, empower, teach, and train.
Women helping women-
Soroptimists, Soroptimists, Hurray for Soroptimists!
poem by Eva L. Shaw
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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I want our young people to know that they matter, that they belong. So don't be afraid — you hear me, young people? Don't be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered. Empower yourselves with a good education, then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise. Lead by example with hope, never fear. And know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life.
quote by Michelle Obama
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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America s Strength (series #2)
As a youngster I began to wonder “ how this great nation came to be”.
People from all over the world looking for a new life to escape tyranny.
This became AMERICAS history.
Then we had our civil war and we fought as state to state.
We all became UNITED and that made this nation great.
So we put the two together and the UNITED STATES was formed.
Little did we know- that this would be the “ norm”.
Look around you, and you will see
Every ethnic group, that’s how we came to be.
AMERICA is not just a country, but a land
Where the bell of freedom rings
And from every country, its people it will bring.
AMERICA is a dream- a vision, a quest- if you must
But in this great nation we put all our trust.
So give us your humble, your poor, your weak
If freedom is what they seek.
This is what made this nation, and gave dreams to all mankind
For we will fight for this country, our lives we’ll put on the line.
We will get stronger, and you will weaken and die
For you can not break our spirit, no matter how you try.
“ now many will say I’m a dreamer”
But that’s how this world came to be
Every small dream has become a reality.
We wanted to hide the pictures and videos
From our children of what you had done.
Because we had felt that they was much to young.
Now we’ve decided to teach and show them about
This cowardly act, and to give them knowledge
And show them all the facts.
poem by Louis Rams
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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My Simple Award
I was informed just lately
That I am among those to be called
Who will be rewarded a service pin?
For having served for twenty five years
An accolade for doing public service
Is quite an honor for being recognized
But like five years ago when I did not
Come up to the stage to receive such
For me it is not important
To receive with any award
For what I do is simply my job
To perform what I was trained for
It makes me sad to learn now
After twenty five years of working
I will be called in front of the public
To accept the fact that soon I have to go
Retirement is a bonus phase in life
Forced to give up work for becoming old
Aging marks that sooner one's life will end
My youth used up for service is my sole bliss
poem by Marvin Brato Sr
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Life Given
life you have given me manny troubles
life you have given me beauty
life you have given me pain
life you have given me pleasure
life you have led me through unexpected portals
life you have left me in the past
life where is the beauty i once knew
life bring me back to your future
life give me back my innocents
life give me back my faith
life please allow me to breath once more
poem by Richard Allen
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I made my mistakes, but in all my years of public life, I have never profited from public service. I've earned every cent. And in all of my years in public life I have never obstructed justice. And I think, too, that I can say that in my years of public life that I welcome this kind of examination because people have got to know whether or not their President is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook. I've earned everything I've got.
quote by Richard M. Nixon
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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You Can Contribute A Verse
Contribute a verse, contribute a verse,
Who can contribute a verse?
Contribute a verse, contribute a verse,
You can contribute a verse.
You may be an underpaid lab’rer,
Streetsweeper or overworked nurse,
A migrant without any papers,
But you can contribute a verse.
You left school at sixteen with no GCSEs?
Did you graduate from Oxford with a First?
Makes no diff’rence, not one bit, for you both are fully fit,
Well-equipped to lay before the world a verse.
You may have no notes in your wallet,
You may have no coins in your purse,
No shoes on your feet, no breakfast to eat,
But you can contribute a verse.
Are you feeling sad and lonely,
In the depths of misery?
Do you feel this Life we’re living
Is not worth the entrance fee?
Are you sure that things will not get any better?
Quite persuaded they will go from bad to worse?
No great problem, drama, crisis, doesn’t matter,
As long as you can come up with a verse.
And it’s possible you’ve heard that our days upon this earth
Are not many, are not many, precious few.
We have hardly enough time to take in all of the sights,
Or do the things that we would like to do.
For we’ve barely crawled out of the cradle,
Then they cart us away in a hearse.
So, in the meantime don’t be idle:
Be sure to contribute a verse!
27/9/06
poem by Denys E. W. Jones
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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I wish to say to you that the life of an enlightened people and a vibrant nation cannot be measured by the life of an individual. A successful person is one who manages to lay down a new stone, a brick that would help firm up his nation's existence.
quote by King Hussein I
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Sonnet-Life
Life's fabric has both threads of joys and woes;
You take away the woes, it will not stand;
When both in optimum scales, well it goes;
You take away the joys, you can't withstand.
Life is a battle, we do always fight;
Sometimes with others' help; sometimes alone;
The war is waged between darkness and light;
When victory comes, we laugh; if not we groan.
Small things in life do matter very much;
Small acts of kindness can purchase hearts;
Small courtesies can most cruel hearts touch;
Small acts of help to people work like darts.
Like your life and it will give you pleasure;
Love your life and it will be your treasure.
poem by John Celes
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DisQuailification
Not Quayle, but quail,
who, - what affront, -
did serve quite pale
far from the front,
beyond the pale,
quite back to front!
Does Vice now stand for Public Elevation?
The Indianan brave did guard,
palefaced, the road to his salvation,
which led - he pulled the drafted card -
through service in a service station!
It seems a pity he was barred,
shame-faced, from fighting, - in-dig-nation -
but silver spoons make life so hard
where Vice the aim is in the nation!
poem by Jonathan Robin
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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America needs every one of us to lend our energy, our talents, our ambition to making our nation better and stronger. I believe that with all my heart. That's why “Stronger Together” is not just a lesson from our history. It's not just a slogan for our campaign. It's a guiding principle for the country we've always been and the future we're going to build. A country where the economy works for everyone, not just those at the top. Where you can get a good job and send your kids to a good school, no matter what zip code you live in. A country where all our children can dream, and those dreams are within reach. Where families are strong… communities are safe… And yes, love trumps hate. That's the country we're fighting for. That's the future we're working toward.
quote by Hillary Clinton
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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The Often Overlooked
Bypassed with little thought
Barely given a mention
Those people in daily life
Overlooked by one and all
They may be as kind and loving
As any other in matter of fact
But that remains an unknown
They are acknowledged at times
But all too often left unconsidered
A name, a face and little else
On the fringe of the social circle
Used a filler when the need arises
Still they remain background characters
Overlooked by the leading cast
There only to make up the numbers
Never considered as anything more
To have played both roles in life
Being guilty with the bypassed thought
And left in the background scene
Is to know the honest plight
Of the often overlooked
poem by Matthew Holloway
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A Bit Of Both
Life is filled with surprises
some are large, some are small,
and there are some surprises
that are never welcome at all.
We walk through life accepting
the good with the bad,
but always hoping for the best
and always dreading the worst.
No matter which way we look at it,
life is going to give us a bit of both.
poem by David Harris
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Rhythm Nation
with music by our side
to break the color lines
let's work together
to improve our way of life
join voices in protest
to social injustice
ageneration full of courage
come forth with me
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right(sing it)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
this is the test
no struggle no progress
lend a hand to help
your brother do his best
thinds are getting worse
we have to make them better
it's time to give a damn
let's work together...come on...
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing)
we are a part of the rhythm nation(people)
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right(sing it)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing it)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right
we are a part of the rhythm nation
say it people
say it to me
say it to me if you want a better way of life
say it people
say it to me
say it to me if you want a better way of life
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world today
are we lookink for a better way of life(sing)
we are a part of the rhythm nation
people of the world unite
strength in numbers we can get it right
we are a part of the rhythm nation
(rhythm nation) yeah
song performed by by Janet Jackson from Rhythm Nation 1814
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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My Service to This Country
If there is any experience I've had in my life,
I am most proudest to have accomplished.
Would be my service to this country,
In the military!
In the military,
I experienced true friendship.
Strict discipline.
And was taught 'why' and reasons,
I should and must respect.
The men and women from all walks of life,
Were dedicated and loyal.
And all could trust what was done,
Was to benefit the cause...
Of what was correct and upright!
Those without this experience,
Seem to be superficial, selfish.
Lacking a self respect and/or common sense.
And the military is the only institution,
Where young people grow...
Acquiring a maturity not on the common man bestowed.
And those who treat the ones of military experience...
As people who protect their interests,
And then can easily dispose.
Make foolish judgements based on temptations and whims.
And their insecurities are taken for granted!
And this clearly shows.
If there is any experience I've had in my life,
I am most proudest to have accomplished.
Would be my service to this country,
In the military!
And glad upon my life,
This has been bestowed!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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If Only I Could Go
If only I could go
travel back to when
life was oh, so simple
then.
I'd walk a country lane
watch geese fly overhead
life was so much better
then.
I'd stand again beside
my grandma as she cooked
life was so much easier
then.
I'd sit and watch my grandpa
as he sharpened up his saw
life was so much happier
then.
I'd touch the clapboard wood
of their old house just once more
life was oh so peaceful
then.
I'd walk through all the rooms
and smell beloved smells
life was so much calmer
then.
I'd lay myself right down
into their featherbed, I'd sink
life was so much safer
then.
If only I could go
travel back to when
life was oh, so simple
then.
2003
poem by Julie Dant
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Who Is Going To Get The Credit For It
Volunteering one's time in some communities,
Has led to the experience or receiving indignities...
By some.
In areas where egos are high in number.
And years are clocked for doing the slightest thing.
Volunteering one's time in some communities,
Where neglect has been obviously done...
By those peacocking nonstop providing lip service.
Can be detrimental to one's generosity of spirit.
Volunteering one's time in these atmospheres,
Can pose a threat,
To those who are accustomed to complaining.
They will state their issues have been overlooked.
And what is it really wished personally by someone donating time.
Since they have had the time themselves
And nothing seems to have gotten done.
These comments are unbelievably 'consciously' stated.
'Perhaps those who volunteer can assist in correcting this? '
~And who is going to get the credit for it?
We want to know this! That's our main priority.
Why should they get the credit for something we can do? ~
'Uh...yeah. There is a problem.
Solving it may take more than what a volunteer can offer.'
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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We reserve our deepest respect and admiration for those who volunteer for service and give their lives to help keep our nation secure.
quote by Mitt Romney
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Life Goes On
A friend of mine just had a real bad time.
You see, his life was shattered and he lost his mind.
His girl ran off along with his best friend,
And through emotional stress he brought his life to an end.
It was such a tragedy,
But thats the way its got to be.
Life goes on.
Life goes on.
It happens evry day.
So appreciate what you got
Before its taken away.
Life will hit you
When youre unprepared,
So be grateful and take all
That you can while youre there.
Get that frown off your head,
cause youre a long time dead.
Life goes on and on and on.
Life goes on and on and on.
No use runnin round lookin scared,
Life could get you when youre unaware.
One day its gonna come, so you better accept it.
Life will hit you when you least expect it.
And one day when you are gone,
You know that life will still go on.
But no onell care if youve been good, bad, right or wrong.
Life will still go on.
My bank went broke and my well ran dry.
It was almost enough to contemplate suicide.
I turned on the gas, but I soon realized
I hadnt settled my bill so they cut off my supply.
No matter how I try, it seems Im too young to die.
Life goes on and on and on.
Life goes on and on and on.
Tornado, cyclone and hurricane
Can batter the houses with the thunder and rain.
Blizzards can blow; the waves hit the shore,
But the people recover and come back for more.
Somehow the people fight back, even the future looks black.
Life goes on and on and on.
Life goes on and on and on.
song performed by by Kinks
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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As far as service goes, it can take the form of a million things. To do service, you don't have to be a doctor working in the slums for free, or become a social worker. Your position in life and what you do doesn't matter as much as how you do what you do.
quote by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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