[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               SOLILOQUY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2004

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, one of my constituents has written a poem 
that showcases our Nation's flag in a glorifying manner. Mr. Victor 
Miller of Madisonville, Tennessee, is the author of a poem titled 
``Soliloquy.'' Mr. Miller is the son of Jeanette Miller, who passed 
this poem along to me. Our country's morale and heritage is strong 
today because of patriots like Victor Miller. I would like to call 
``Soliloquy'' and its interpretation to the attention of my colleagues 
and other readers of the Record.

                      Interpretation of Soliloquy

       I pray this poetic edification enhances your respect for 
     the flag from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, but more 
     significantly, enamors your appreciations for the risen Son 
     of God. If reverenced as Old Glory, ``God Bless America'' 
     will enrich all our personal, domestic & international 
     pursuits exceedingly beyond our imaginations in continual 
     abundance if, ``In God We Trust.'' The Lord in the USA is a 
     bipartisan, consuming Spirit of Holiness & Power! In Christ, 
     ``Thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph'' (2 
     Cor. 2:14).

     ``Imagine as a flag (Christ) on all folks (souls) passing by 
           with edifying waves (love) influencing (redeeming) 
           their lives.''

       The essence of duty to God & country He epitomized when his 
     ascension secured for all, Independence! In Christ are 
     ``opportunities, honor, recognition, patriotism & liberated 
     freedoms.'' We're told to ``stand fast in the liberty in 
     which Christ has made us free'' (Gal. 5:1). With Jesus, we're 
     more than winners, we're ``conquerors'' (Rom. 8:37). The USA 
     thrives prestigiously, powerfully & prosperously because of 
     our humility in embracing the risen Intercessor for all 
     humanity. His triumphant valor extends to whosoever will. 
     ``The Glory in your stripes'' belongs exclusively to Jesus 
     Christ. May we forever abstain from worshiping entombed 
     doctrines because if we forsake his sovereignty he will 
     abandon his favor upon the USA. He tells us in his word, ``No 
     greater sacrifice exists than to give ones' life for a 
     friend'' (John 15:13). Emulating this virtue honors our 
     Savior & rewards us blessings. Our allegiance he is worthy 
     of, as too our ``tribute'' & service. Let's pray America 
     ``valiantly'' & steadfastly adheres to his ``esteemed'' 
     righteousness so our liberties are preserved. ``The Lord is 
     that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is 
     liberty'' (2 Cor. 3:17). The colonists were wise in 
     understanding & adopting our Constitution upon biblical 
     integrity. Indigenous to our country it is not but we have 
     progressively strengthened since its inception as a nation 
     because of their keen & humble foresight in acknowledging & 
     incorporating in our executive, legislative & judicial 
     structures his preeminence. Soliloquy was penned in Luray, 
     Virginia in April 1999. I worked for the Shenandoah National 
     Park. On this particular morning while walking to the car I 
     heard the vigorous, insistent ``waving'' of Old Glory in the 
     blustery air. The owners of the Cardinal Inn always flew a 
     large flag from their rock garden. As I turned to ``observe'' 
     the Holy Spirit spoke:

     I am your Leader, your Warrior, your Friend & Victor. You are 
           adopted into the Almighty Army of God.''

       America owns patriotism as a majority but is loyalty void 
     of Christ efficacious or self-promoting? Most citizens defend 
     the sanctity of their flag tenaciously when affronted by 
     another. Almost universally, it flies proudly from homes, 
     schools, parks, libraries, cemeteries, vehicles, courts, 
     businesses & even dons our clothing. It is a rallying, focal 
     point of inspiration in times of crisis, mourning & 
     festivities: Higher than all other flags, it ``reigns!'' 
     Holidays confirm our gratitude for the military dives spent & 
     lost defending its cause of unanimous liberation around the 
     globe against oppression & persecution. Membership in our 
     armed forces always begins at conscription with a sworn vow 
     of allegiance. Patriotism isn't predicated on military 
     service but whenever iniquitous aggression asserts itself 
     against integrity. ``When our cause is just...`In God is our 
     trust!' '' is how Francis Scott Key so zealously in 1814 
     proclaimed. Honest defense of righteous liberties is not 
     immune to costs but ``abiding in the shadow of the Almighty'' 
     (Ps.91) secures for all patriots ultimate victory. Jesus is 
     not envious or jealous of anything, except his glory. He is 
     however, deserving & desirous of greater, adulation & duty. 
     May Soliloquy serve all of God's children with victorious 
     knowledge & hope from his Holy Spirit so we continue shining 
     in the world as a beacon of his omnipotent Love, just as a 
     ``rushing mighty wind'' beautifies Old Glory!

                               Soliloquy

     Imagine as a flag
     on all folks passing by
     with edifying waves
     influencing their lives!

     A patriotic stance
     of opportunities
     advocating feedoms
     by land, the air & sea.

     Esteemed a lofty reign
     & honored to belong
     all would offer tribules
     in oaths, salute or songs!

     Recognition could abound
     for victories secured
     defending liberties
     despite many injured.

     In each of fifty stars
     & elsewhere when observed
     the glory in your stripes
     would valiantly be served!

                          ____________________