[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 105 (Wednesday, August 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LANDING AT NORMANDY

                                 ______


                           HON. STEVEN SCHIFF

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 3, 1994

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the brave men 
who risked their lives on the beaches of Normandy. I commend these 
troops with a heartfelt poem written by Tony Schuerch, a constituent of 
the First Congressional District of New Mexico, which I proudly 
represent.
  Mr. Schuerch's thoughts on that day in American history should not go 
unnoticed. I hope the Members of this body appreciate these words as 
much as I do.

                                Normandy

     On Normandy's now peaceful shore,
     Above the beach where breakers roar,
     And seagulls spread their wings and soar,
     The gleaming rows of crosses stand
     And Stars of David, on this land
      Above the beach at Normandy.

     They came from factory, school and farm
     Exuberant, filled with fun and charm
     Too young to think of death and harm
     Too young to think of death and harm
     Not knowing that their fate would be
     To lie for all eternity
      Above the beach at Normandy.

     Peace in their time was not to be.
     Convinced that people should be free
     Some came by air; but most by sea
     Sickened by fear, yet always knowing
     That duty called and they were going
      To storm the beach at Normandy.

     Freedom's not easy to regain;
     The price is blood and fear and pain
     And grieving loved ones who remain.
     Would be living under thrall
     Had they held back from giving all
      To storm the beach at Normandy?

     Oh Gracious Father of mankind
     In the weakness of our heart and mind
     Grant us the power now to find
     Their kind of strength and bravery
     Beneath our flag which flutters free
      Above the beach at Normandy.
     --Tony Schuerch.

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