[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNITION OF GLENN ROYAL BATTY

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                     HON. GEORGE R. NETHERCUTT, JR.

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2001

  Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, this coming weekend, the United States 
will observe Memorial Day and honor the service of America's soldiers, 
sailors, airmen and marines. As we take time this weekend to reflect on 
the sacrifices of members of our Armed Forces, I commend to the 
attention of my colleagues a poem written by a constituent, which I am 
entering into the Congressional Record. Glenn Royal Batty, of Spokane, 
Washington, has authored a moving poem entitled ``The Soldier,'' which 
serves as a reminder of both the hardships of military life and the 
dedication of the American soldier. As Mr. Batty noted in a personal 
letter introducing his poem, ``There can be no greater sacrifice than 
to give one's life for another but no greater shame than to spend life 
for less.'' I urge my colleagues to take a moment from their busy lives 
and reflect upon the message in this poem.

                              The Soldier

                         (By Glenn Royal Batty)

     I am one of a chosen few, a warrior of might.
     And I will stand or I may fall, but I will join the fight.
     I am he who fights for you, throughout history.
     While vain men speak of glory, to hide hypocristy.

     The captain calls for volunteers, to mount a bold defense,
     While shades are drawn and shutters closed with indifference.
     And as the ranks are gathered, above the rolling plain.
     The soldier takes his courage into battle once again.

     Battle is begun, and with it fear's perfume.
     When this day is done, we'll see a bloody moon!

     As you sing of glory and righteousness of cause,
     We march courage six abreast, into the devil's jaws.
     There to face our destiny with honor or in shame.
     But to face it not, is not a thing we know, or can explain.

     You won't feel my deadly steel or taste this fearsome blade,
     But it will haunt your dreams at night, until its price is 
         paid.
     And you might wish to turn away, before the bugle sounds.
     For righteousness is hard to find within a battleground.

     Battle is begun! May God be on our side.
     We pray a kingdom come, where peace may yet abide.

     For fame or notoriety, what is the value there?
     For land or grudge, we cannot see. What purpose? I declare!
     For names, twice whispered on men's lips or tails of great 
         renown,
     We will march to battle, for honor is our crown!

     Battle is begun! The day is warm, the wind blows sweet.
     It stirs the banners with each breath,
     While valiant souls together meet to share ignoble death.

     Battle is begun no matter where or when,
     We will fight and die. That's how it's always been.

     I am one of a chosen few You're not to blame, It's what I do.
     And if God's mercy will decree, with hardened heart and 
         strength of will,
     Throughout the flow of history, I will be fighting still.

     

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