[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE POEM, YOUR SON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, we are all deeply saddened by the loss of 
life of our brave men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. While 
we all understand the need to spread freedom and democracy throughout 
the world, words can barely express the emotions and sorrow felt by the 
families of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
  A constituent of mine recently brought to my attention a poem that 
was written in memory of Sgt. Byron Norwood, USMC, by Gene E. Blanton. 
While this poem is in memory of Sgt. Norwood, I believe that this poem 
is a fitting tribute to all servicemen and women who have fallen in 
combat. I would like to share this poem with my fellow colleagues:

                                Your Son

                          (By Gene E. Blanton)

     To the Mothers and the Fathers
     Of United States Marines
     Who have fought and bled and died
     So that freedom's bell still rings

     From the Halls of Montezuma
     To the shores of Tripoli
     From the alleys of Fallujah
     To the frozen Yudam-ni

     From the sands of Iwo Jima
     To the hills around Khe Sanh
     From the smoky hell of Belleau Woods
     Your Son fought and won

     Your Son battled dictatorships
     Communism and tyranny
     God's Son died to make men holy
     Your Son died to make men free

     There is a debt we owe Your Son
     That we can never repay
     We owe Your Son more than platitudes
     Heard on Veterans or Memorial Day

     Your Son is a son of America
     One of the Proud and the Few
     Your Son volunteered to do the things
     Other men would not or could not do

     Your Son was Semper Fidelis
     Always Faithful to the end was he
     Your Son was a shining example
     Of what a man is supposed to be

     Now Your Son's been reassigned
     To stand guard on Heaven's streets
     And when my tour of duty is over
     I know that we will meet

     I'll thank Your Son for my freedom
     For keeping terror on a distant shore
     I'll thank Your Son for our way of life
     And sacrifice he bore

     So tonight when you cry out to God
     While praying on your knees
     Know that He's a loving God
     Who will listen to your pleas

     To lose Your Son for freedom's cause
     God truly understands
     God sent His Son to die for us
     So you can see Your Son again

  May God continue to bless our solders who are currently in harm's 
way.

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