[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MEMORIAL DAY 1996: SIMPLE TRUTHS

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today to mention an 
upcoming, special American holiday, Memorial Day.
  Last year, in honor of Father's Day, I read to you a letter from a 
fellow New Mexican, Chuck Everett. Mr. Everett originally wrote that 
letter while he was serving in Korea to his father who was back home in 
the United States.
  In that letter, a younger Chuck Everett talked about certain simple 
truths--a son's longing to be with his dad on Father's Day; a soldier's 
patriotism; and hope for the future. The young soldier dedicated that 
particular day to fathers, the support of free will, free speech, 
freedom from fear, freedom of religion, and freedom of thought.
  Today, in recognition of Memorial Day, I want to share with the 
Senate and the American people some more insightful thoughts by Mr. 
Everett. His poem, entitled ``Simple Truths,'' serves as a good 
reminder to those of us who serve in this esteemed Chamber, as well as 
to all Americans, that while our country derives much strength from its 
diversity, we Americans also share basic ideals--ideals for which many 
men and women have given their lives. As the country remembers those 
brave Americans who fought for the United States, I submit that we are 
a nation founded on ideas, notably the rights to life, liberty, and the 
pursuit of happiness. These are simple truths to be cherished and 
protected for future generations.
  In memory of those who were killed or are still considered to be 
missing in action, I respectfully ask that the text of Mr. Everett's 
poem be printed in the Record.
  The poem follows:

                             Simple Truths

     Simple truths are emotions from the heart
     To state those feelings we wish to share
     With those with whom we do not stand apart
     And sharing those ideals about which we care.

     We ever strive to serve our God and country,
     A nation born to hear the bells of freedom ring.
     Bound not by the shackles of fear and affrontry.
     But living free of oppression by dictator or king.

     We dedicate our lives to the support of democracy,
     Building a nation with simple truths in mind,
     Glorified in living free from any aristocracy,
     Striving for liberty and justice for all mankind.

     Let our mission be to keep this country free, To stand tall 
           for what we feel is right or wrong,
     Embracing ourselves in the principles of liberty
     And always being on the alert and ever so strong.--C. 
           Everett.

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