[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E926-E927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          A TRIBUTE TO FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2002

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, today, I have the honor of sharing with you a 
touching tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks, to our 
Nation, and to our legacy of freedom.
  I was visited recently by a gentleman from my hometown, Leo Smith. 
Leo is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas and works as a 
safety manager at a plant in Hope, Arkansas. In his profession, he is 
concerned with protecting the lives of his coworkers, but after 
September 11th , he was concerned with the lives of many more.
  We have all chosen our own method to deal with the tragedy of the 
attacks on our Nation. Leo chose to express his anger, helplessness, 
and also his pride through a poem entitled ``Let Freedom Ring.'' Leo 
thoughtfully presented me a copy of this poem, and I was very moved 
upon reading it.
  In his poem, Leo recognizes that ``the land of the free will never be 
the same again, not for you or for me.'' The poem identifies the 
transformation of our country, the loss, but also the gain of something 
new. Leo knew that the attacks signified the start of a war to defend 
freedom, but the sudden display of patriotism, the tribute to those who 
have died throughout our nation's history to defend that nation, in his 
own words, ``Let me know the battle has already been won.''
  It is with pride and gratitude that I share with you and submit to 
the Congressional Record Leo Smith's poetic eulogy to the victims of 
the attacks. His words lament the loss we all felt that day, but 
express the hope that soon followed. As he puts it,
What will happen next?
The answer to this only God knows.
But on that Tuesday, September 11th,
Was born a new breed of heroes.

                            Let Freedom Ring

                             (By Leo Smith)

     America the Beautiful, the land of the free, will never be 
           the same again, Not for you or for me.
     Tragedy struck quickly, It rocked the entire world, Changing 
           many of today's families, To widows and little orphan 
           boys and girls.
     Pictures of blood shed and destruction, On television night 
           after night, People filled with compassion, Hearts 
           filled with fright.
     What will happen next? The answer to this only, God knows, 
           But on that Tuesday, September 11th, Was born a new 
           breed of heroes.
     Everyone who helped was a hero, Giving blood or looking 
           through the rubble, Or just saying a prayer for the 
           victims, Or just telling your someone that you lov'em.
     Our nation, one people, all helping for the cause, Made tears 
           come to my eyes, And me to take a long pause.
     Red, white and blue forever, U.S. flags flying everywhere as 
           far as the eye can see, Respecting the battles of our 
           fore fathers, Who fought and died for us to be free.
     All our people pulling together, Let me know the battle has 
           already been won, All races uniting and bonding, We are 
           all one nation, just one.

[[Page E927]]

     No matter how many buildings are destroyed, And all the 
           destruction that others can bring, The United States 
           will always rise to the top, All Americans unite, and 
           Let Freedom Ring.

           

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