State Department's Pickering Urges Youths To Protect U.S. National Security

National Youth Leadership Forum
Monday, 18 October 1999

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence and Diplomacy (NYLF/DID) was welcomed to the U.S. Department of State today by Thomas Pickering, Acting Secretary of State and Undersecretary of State for Public Affairs.

Secretary Pickering introduced the 350 NYLF/DID students to the U.S. Department of State and challenged, "The future success of this nation of ours is dependent upon your leadership. It is vital that you uphold the habits of good citizenship, stay current on local, national and world affairs and vote when you are old enough."

Pickering shared many of his experiences in foreign nations where he watched ordinary people demonstrate uncommon courage. "By demanding voting rights in the face of adversity, people who suffer oppression continue to defeat the enemies of democracy. The rewards are great and you can share them if you choose to consider the endless opportunities of a career in Foreign Service," he concluded.

For more information, or to contact National Youth Leadership Forum, see their website at: www.nylf.com