[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 24 (Thursday, March 7, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S1672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DIANE RUMER

 Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, today I have the distinct honor 
of rising to share with my fellow colleagues the poetic work of Diane 
Rumer of Florence, Kentucky.
  The tragic events of September 11 has affected us all in so many 
different ways. Some have lost loved ones. Some have sacrificed their 
lives to save others. And some have simply wept. We all have different 
methods of dealing with such tragic circumstances, and I personally 
have found a certain degree of solace in Diane Rumer's poem entitled 
American Angel. I am honored to share her work with you.

       God Bless our country,
       And all we hold dear:
       Faith and our freedom,
       And life without fear.

       Guard her and guide her,
       Protect her, we pray.
       Send angels among us
       To show us the way.

  Every time I read these beautiful words, I find myself visualizing 
the American angels Diane so gracefully describes in her poem. I see a 
soldier fighting at home and abroad to rid the world of terrorism and 
oppression. I see a fireman racing into a burning building to save the 
life of a complete stranger. I see a blood donor. I see an aid worker. 
I see a family raising a flag in their front yard. After reading this, 
I realize there are angels surrounding us in every aspect of life, 
trying desperately to show us the way.
  I would like to thank Diane for this inspirational piece. Her words 
are a truly a comfort in times of strife.

                          ____________________