[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 70 (Friday, May 23, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               ARLINGTON

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, in early March of this year I received a 
letter from Charles R. Mariott, of Louisville, Tennessee, in which he 
enclosed a stirring poem, written by his wife Ruth and dedicated to 
Arlington Cemetery. The poem shows great talent and I want to bring it 
to the attention of my colleagues and to the audience of listeners 
throughout the country as we approach the Memorial Day weekend. It is a 
poem that exudes a spirit of patriotism which, I believe, will inspire 
all freedom loving Americans everywhere.

                               Arlington

                           (By Ruth Mariott)


                              First Canto

     I saw his name engraved in granite
     in the shadow of the ivy covered oak--
     a long time tenant in that sacred grove
     The wind moves now and then through barren branches
     A bird alights sometimes, as if by chance,
     it chirps--and then flies on
     All else is mute . . .

     The marble tomb nearby where night and day
     the sentries stand with steadfast vigilance
     it bears no name.

     During the changing of the guards--
     at preset daytime hours--
     upon command the sentries spring to life
     and to action.

     They walk with slow, precisely measured steps
     clicking their heels at certain intervals
     toeing the line invisible
     across expanse of marbled ground
     presenting arms and slapping rifle
     Flawless in execution and procedures
     flawless in bearing and attire
     one is the prefect mirror of the other
     down to the last detail: just so, no more, no less
     Their buckles shine. The honor badge is gleaming
     They are the heroes of the Old Guard Regiment

     Instant obedience and discipline
     thus manifest, are but reflections
     of inner core of strength, esprit and gallantry
     submerging self for Cause and Greater Good,
     (attained by very few)

     The changing of the guard has been accomplished
     The last command has been obeyed
     The guard on duty now enters his station
     stands at attention once again over the tomb
     Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

                              second canto

     The people come from far, here to these hallowed hills to 
           witness and be cast in ceremony. They stand in silence 
           and they stare with awe,
     They think their solemn thoughts with somber eyes,
       Transported by the mesmerizing ritual
     into the Presence of a Greater Truth and Order
       and brushed by gentle wings of Destiny,
     they seem to hear faint echoes stirring from the vault of sky 
           and time
     evoking visions in their souls and puzzling memories of what? 
           from where?

     Thus paying tribute to the One Unknown
       (and with him to the many like him
       whose burial mounds and crosses are stretching far below 
           The Tomb)
     they sense that he who sacrificed his life
       decades ago--nay centuries--was now exalted.
     (and with him all the many like him)
       exalting Gallantry and Loyalty, Honor and Valor.

     Spectators in this Shifting scene on patriotic stage the 
           people leave reluctantly, the Nation's Shrine still 
           pondering.
     They wander down the soddy path
     They speak in muffled tones, shuffling their feet before they 
           exit slowly through the Outer Arch.


                              third canto

     I saw his name engraved in granite
       enlaced with ivy from the nearby tree
     I plucked a sprig of living ivy
       and took it home with me

     Planted in a pot of earth
       upon my window sill
     the climbing vine has taken root
       and it is greening still

     Your body may be buried
       you may be long since gone
     but cherished memories of you
       and your name live on.

     I stepped out of my cabin door
       and looked up at the sky
     I saw a golden eagle soar
       I heard the eagle cry.

     The eagle soared into the sun and soon was lost from view
       The spirit of the Unknown One and you.


                              fourth canto

     Down through the corridor of Time
     the eagle sounds its piercing cry
     keening over all the fields
     where the fallen warriors lie.

     Their tattered uniforms and bones
     have mouldered in their narrow grave
     White crosses bear a name and date
     so young--and all so brave.

     Through countless wars in global spots
     they fought in air, on land and sea
     They paid the price, They gave their life
     so others could be free.

     They fought chaotic battles
     to victory or defeat
     and now they lie in long, long rows
     orderly and neat . . .

     A bugle in the sunset's glow
     is sounding Taps from far away
     Soon now the winds of night will blow
     And tomorrow is another day.


                                epilogue

     The Stars and Stripes wave on the ridge
     High above Arlington Bridge
     in between are stretched the grounds
     with all its heroes earthen mounds.
     From up on high the spirits chide
     Forever shall our flag abide

     in Freedom--Honor--Valor!

                          ____________________