[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E287]]
                NATIONAL SALUTE TO HOSPITALIZED VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on February 11, 2005 I attended 
the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center's National Salute to 
Hospitalized Veterans Program in Houston, Texas.
  The National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans takes place each year 
during the week of February 14 to honor the more than 98,000 veterans 
of the U.S. Armed Services who are cared for every day in Department of 
Veterans Affairs medical centers, outpatient clinics, and nursing 
homes.
  At the Program, Harry E. Dearen of Houston read the following poem he 
wrote in October 1996 to honor our veterans:

                             And Then I Cry

                             [By H. Dearen]

     Of the price of the days of glory. And then I cry.
     For the freedom and the story. And then I cry.
     As I think of the wars that have past. And then I cry.
     For our countries greatness, it will last. And then I cry.
     For old glory and to make things right. And then I cry.
     In the lands out over the sea. And then I cry.
     That for others they might be free. And then I cry.
     For every one that heeded the call. And then I cry.
     For those that have died for the good of all. And then I cry.

  As we honor our veterans this week during the National Salute to 
Hospitalized Veterans, I wanted to share this poem with my colleagues.
  This poem pays tribute to our veterans, reminds us all of the 
sacrifices they made, and is a lasting reminder of what they sacrificed 
for.

                          ____________________