[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        WRITING OF ASHLEY HECKER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES H. MALONEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2002

  Mr. MALONEY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor for me 
today to bring to the attention of my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives the writings of Ms. Ashley Hecker. Ashley is a fifth 
grade student at Doolittle Elementary School in Cheshire, Connecticut. 
She composed this poignant poem just moments after the terrorist attack 
on September 11th.

                            We Stand Strong

     As the cry of American reaches my ears
     I must try to hold back my tears.
     The plane crashed along with the crew
     You may have lost someone too.
     Under the rubble some survived
     Sadly, many died.
     Your heart may hurt but do not blame
     Don't give into this twisted game.
     New York will never be the same,
     The terrorists will live with a life of shame.
     Please don't give up on the Red, White and Blue
     We'll keep on fighting through and through.


Ashley's poem came to my attention shortly after Veterans Affairs 
Commissioner Eugene A. Migliaro Jr. awarded her a citation for her 
``dedication, expression and patriotic views.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is both a personal pleasure and privilege to honor 
Ashley Hecker, a young lady who's writings exemplify the American 
spirit.

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