[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 78 (Thursday, June 13, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1034-E1035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNITION OF CARL ``BRONKO'' STANKOVIC

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2002

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize 
Mr. Carl ``Bronko'' Stankovic, a proud World War II veteran and dear 
friend of mine. Bronko has recently brought to my attention an 
inspirational poem written by his friend Bev Freeman, of Morgan Hill, 
California, during the Second World War. Bev passed away last year 
leaving behind not only loved ones but strong friendships forged during 
the war. After the funeral, Bronko and Bev's daughter, Carolyn Turner, 
came across a poem written by Bev and two members of his Tank Battalion 
that embodied the war experience not only for Bronko, but many other 
veterans.
  This poem speaks powerfully to the uncertainty and fear faced by 
World War II combatants. The emotions it represents rings true with 
Bronko, and the hundreds of veterans he has shared this poem with. 
Bev's poem has been copied and given out at reunions since its 
discovery, and now I would like to share it with the Congress of the 
United States.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I submit this untitled poem 
as a tribute to Bev's tank crew and to the memory of all our lost World 
War II veterans:

     Look, God I have never spoken to you.
     But now, I want to say, ``How do you do?''
     You see, God, they told me you didn't exist.
     And, like a fool, I believed all this.

     Last night from my turret I saw your sky.
     I figured then they told me a lie.
     Had I taken time to see things you made,
     I'd have known they weren't calling a spade a spade.

     I wonder, God, if you'd shake my hand?
     Somehow I feel that you will understand.
     Funny I had to come to this Hellish place
     Before I had time to see your face!

     Well, I guess there isn't much more to say.
     But I'm sure glad God that I met you today.
     I guess the hour will soon be here.
     I'm not afraid since I know you're near.

     There's the signal; Well, God, I've got to go.
     I like you a lot--this I want you to know.

[[Page E1035]]

     Look now, this will be a kind of a rough fight.

     Who knows, I may come to your house tonight.

     Though I wasn't friendly to you before,
     I wonder, God, if you'd wait at the door?
     Look, I'm crying, Oh, me shedding tears;
     I wish I had known you these many years.

     Well, I have to go now, God, so good-bye.
     Strange, since I met you, I'm not afraid to die.


  Mr. Speaker, I hope this poem inspires my distinguished colleagues as 
it has inspired me. The Greatest Generation has given so much to 
younger generations that I am happy to give something back by 
submitting this poem to the House of Representatives. I would ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring World War II veterans with a moment 
of silence.

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