[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1241-E1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING AND ENCOURAGING ALL AMERICANS TO OBSERVE 40TH ANNIVERSARY 
 OF THE DEATHS OF ANDREW GOODMAN, JAMES CHANEY, AND MICHAEL SCHWERNER, 
                        CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZERS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 21, 2004

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, this House must be applauded for the passage 
of the Resolution (H. Con. Res. 450) I introduced to honor the civil 
rights martyrs: Andrew Goodman, James Chaney, and Michael Schwerner. 
These young men were true martyrs, nonviolent and self-sacrificing for 
the highest ideals. In contrast to the suicide bombers who call 
themselves ``martyrs'' while taking lives, these heroes placed 
themselves at risk in order to save lives. The fact that their passion 
and dedication was expressed in non-violent actions made them no less 
courageous and brave fighters. On this fortieth anniversary of

[[Page E1242]]

their lynching it is important that we hold up to our youth and to the 
world these examples of three ``greatest'' American men.

                            The Angels Cried

     The day Chaney, Schwerner and Goodman died
     Was a day the angels cried:
     Heroes who laid down their lives,
     Courage recorded for eternal archives.
     Medals of honor belong to the brave
     Who take no lives but struggle to save
     The credo of justice for all;
     Build them a three person Memorial Wall.
     Suicide bombers look down and see
     True martyrs who won great glory
     In the war for ideals
     Fought past Mississippi cotton fields;
     Three sacrificed the full measure of devotion,
     Murder of enemies is an obsolete notion,
     Love is a weapon of overwhelming emotion.
     Sound the trumpet again and again
     Appreciate the sacrifice of three greatest American men.
     The day Chaney, Schwerner and Goodman died
     Was a day angels in heaven cried.

                          ____________________