[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 88 (Thursday, May 25, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING DISABLED VETERANS

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 24, 1995
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, on April 2, 1995, the Disabled American 
Veterans and Auxiliary, Department of New Jersey, held its Eighth 
Annual Legislative Breakfast.
  Ms. Linda Trulio, 2d junior vice president of the auxiliary, wrote 
the following poem in honor of all disabled veterans and the mission of 
the DAV toward our fallen veterans.
  I believe that her words are worthy of my colleagues consideration 
and commend them to you herewith.
                        Serving Those Who Served

                          By: Linda A. Trulio

       Dedicated to the motto of the disabled American Veteran, 
     Presented at the New Jersey Legislative Breakfast April 2, 
     1995.
     We rode the waves together, and sailed the stormy seas.
       We braved the intense jungles and hid among the trees.
     I pulled you from the waters deep and muddy sinking sands.
       I gave you my last cigarette, without question or demand.
     When flying high through stormy clouds and dodging rockets 
           flares,
       I looked behind our aircraft and saw you praying there.
     We shared our jokes and memories, and thought so much of home
       We knew that with a buddies arm, we never were alone.
     And when the snipers' bullets found my leg and shoulder torn,
       I looked to you now for some help, my life now surely gone.
     I made it home alas, all tattered and all torn,
       And wondered what my future held, not much just pain and 
           scorn.
     I felt so useless, just what would I do?
       Will they still love me when they see I have one shoe?
     How will I eat; how will I write?
       Will I still work with partial sight?
     And then I looked up from my bed,
       and saw you standing there.
     My friend, my pal, your hand on my head,
       Your eyes they held a tear.
     I'm here my friend; I'm here to help and never will I stray.
       We'll fight together, I'11 lead you on and still take time 
           to pray.
     I'll visit you and give you strength in hospitals far and 
           near.
       I'll look in on your family and those you hold most dear.
     And when your rights and benefits are under threat or 
           endangered,
       I'll fight the fight for you my friend. You'll keep what 
           was created.
     I'll be your eyes and write the words. I'll lead you step by 
           step.
       I'm here to serve, the one who served, the one I'll not 
           forget.
           

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