[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 53 (Thursday, May 2, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             LOCAL MUSICAL TRIBUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

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                        HON. WILLIAM L. JENKINS

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2002

  Mr. JENKINS. Mr. Speaker, as our nation continues to heal the wounds 
from the losses suffered on September 11, 2001, I have personally 
received numbers of phone calls, e-mails, and letters from East 
Tennesseans offering suggestions, words of support, and prayers for all 
Americans dealing with this tragedy. Mr. Jerry White, a teacher from 
Hampton, Tennessee composed a song titled ``Freedom Didn't Fall.'' In 
addition, Dr. Charles L. Walter from Johnson City, Tennessee enclosed a 
hymn titled ``When Sudden Terror Tears Apart.'' Having been moved by 
these musical compositions, I wanted to share these lyrics with the 
Congress in order that others may read these uplifting and comforting 
words.

                  Freedom Didn't Fall--Mr. Jerry White

     We took a mighty hit that day, brothers hear the call.
     Buildings crumbled to the ground, but freedom didn't fall.
     Today our hearts are heavy, we share the grief you bear.
     Evil bounds through the world, we've turned to God in prayer.
     America must be strong this hour, rays of hope through perils 
         and fright,
     A light of love for freedom, shining brightly through the 
         night.
     Innocent souls passed on that day, they are martyrs to the 
         cause.
     We must be devoted to fight and never stop to pause.
     It will be hard to find the enemy to fight.
     This may be the final chance for the whole world to unite.
     We must stand firm to eradicate evil from our home,
     And stand as models to the world no matter where we roam.
     Why did this happen here, we ask? The answer's plain to see.
     They terrorize for naught, but strike fear in you and me.
     These were evil deeds, the acts of evil men.
     We must resolve and affirm that this will never occur again.
     Firemen, policemen, volunteers have answered freedom's call.
     Dedicated sacrifice in this land of sacred law.
     The heroes in the plane of Air Flight Ninety-Three,
     Have set the tone of sacrifice for all of us to see.
     Yea, we took a mighty hit today, now Americans hear the call
     Buildings crumbled to the ground, but freedom didn't fall!
                                  ____


          When Sudden Terror Tears Apart--The Rev. Carl P. Daw

     When sudden terror tears apart the world we thought was ours, 
         we find how fragile strength can be, how limited our 
         powers.
     As tower and fortress fall we watch with disbelieving stare 
         and numbly hear the anguished cries, the pierce the ash-
         filled air.
     Yet most of all we are aware of emptiness and void: of lives 
         cut short, of structures razed, of confidence destroyed.
     From this abyss of doubt and fear we grope for words to pray, 
         and hear our stammering tongues embrace a timeless Kyrie.
     Have mercy Lord, give us strength and peace and make our 
         courage great; restrain our urge to seek revenge, to turn 
         our heart to hate.
     Help us to know your steadfast love, your presence near as 
         breath; rekindle in our hearts the hope of life that 
         conquers death.

         

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