[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 74 (Tuesday, June 14, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 14, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     THE OLD SOLDIER AND THE PARADE

                                 ______


                     HON. JAMES H. (JIMMY) QUILLEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 14, 1994

  Mr. QUILLEN. Mr. Speaker, today is Flag Day, and in honor of this 
noble occasion, I would like to bring to my colleagues' attention the 
following poem, which was written and given to me by my constituent, 
Mr. L. Wayne Harless, of Kingsport, TN. I commend this poem to all who 
love our flag and who wish it to continue to be honored as the symbol 
of our unity as a nation.

                     The Old Soldier and the Parade

     The Old soldier stood at stooped attention, as the flag was 
           passing by,
     and for a moment he thought,
     of the battles he'd fought, and the comrades he'd seen die,

     He swelled his chest, now medal bedecked, awards for valor in 
           war,
     as he remembered the friends,
     who fought til the end, and he knew they'd given much more.

     He swallowed the lump, that rose in his throat, Old Glory'll 
           do that you know,
     she's a symbol of pride,
     that wells up inside, and causes the tears to flow.

     He knows that some just can't understand, the meaning of this 
           great flag,
     some cry ``let it burn,
     till all men can learn, that it's nothing more than a rag.''

     But he knows by the love God put in his heart, for a country 
           born to be free,
     that he'd use his last breath,
     gladly fight to the death, that even these might have 
           liberty.

     So hush now my friend, and show some respect, Old Glory is 
           passing by,
     Lay your hand on your breast,
     vow to God that your quest, will be to hoist this great 
           banner high!!
     --By L. Wayne Harless, 7/4/93

                          ____________________