[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 135 (Thursday, September 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SALUTE TO SYLVIA DAVIDSON LOTT BUCKLEY LOUISIANA POET LAUREATE

 Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, I commend Mrs. Sylvia Davidson Lott 
Buckley, Louisiana State poet laureate, for achieving the distinction 
of writing the only poem recognized by the State of Louisiana.
  Mrs. Buckley was inspired to write the poem, ``America, We the 
People,'' when she received a stick pin from her grandson, Hue Lott, 
inscribed with the words, ``We the people.'' Reflecting on the fact 
that justice is a most important word that all the rest of our 
government rests on, and that citizens are demanding freedom and 
justice for all, she wrote the poem within 25 minutes.
  The Louisiana Legislature passed, and the Governor subsequently 
signed, legislation that makes ``America, We the People,'' the Official 
State Judicial Poem.
  Mr. President, I would like to share Mrs. Buckley's poem with my 
colleagues and other readers of the Congressional Record. I ask that 
this poem be printed in the Record.
  The poem follows:

                       ``America, We the People''


                  The Official Louisiana Judicial Poem

     America
     We the people
     Justice, the word most sought by all, seek God to bless the 
           courts with truth, for through His wisdom we rise or 
           fall.

     America
     We the people
     Do honor this great lady fair, who with her mighty arms still 
           holds, the scales of Justice for all to share.

     America
     We the people
     Do offer threads of hope to all, for Justice covers everyone; 
           she does not measure, short or tall.

     America
     We the people
     Boldly make this pledge to thee that Justice will, in mind 
           and heart, guide each destiny.

     America
     We . . . the . . . people.--Sylvia Davidson Lott Buckley, 
           Louisiana State Poet Laureate.

                          ____________________