[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO OUR TROOPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2008

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Madam Speaker, poet and capitol tour 
guide Albert C. Caswell has penned a number of heartfelt tributes to 
our military, and recently he wrote a piece dedicated to the 
``magnificent men and women who've given their lives to keep freedom 
alive.''

                              All They Ask

                       (By Albert Carey Caswell)

     A young man or woman goes off to war this day,
     Followed with them by so many splendidly fine heroes on their 
           ways. . .

     Courageously fine Men and Women, with `oh so such magnificent 
           hearts so very brave!
     But, all they ask. . .
     As they do not cry, nor do they complain. . .
     Knowing full well, that they may never so see their loved 
           ones again!
     With but just one final kiss, with just one final hug goodbye 
           . . . wishing somehow to so remain!
     But, all they ask. . .

     As there they go, upon their most courageous ways. . .
     All heading, straight out into that dark face of hell . . . 
           as do they!
     America's finest, her greatest of all patriots . . . all of 
           whom, to us the word heroism is portrayed!
     But all they ask. . .

     Splendidly fine heroes, who are but willing to die. . .
     Who go where Angels so fear to tread, and do not ask why. . .
     With 'oh such brave hearts, who so dare to take up our 
           beloved nation's battle cry!
     But, all they ask. . .

     Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Marines,
     All with `oh so such heroic hearts, there as seen . . . who 
           just like all of us, all have the same such dreams!
     Who all have families so beloved, all within their hearts of 
           love . . . carried with them where they so convene.
     But, all they ask. . .

     As this the burden they so gladly take,
     While, so very unselfishly their own lives they so forsake!
     As this their gifts to God and Country, are of the greatest 
           sacrifices . . . let none this so mistake!
     But, all they asked. . .
     For they are not looking for money, nor are they fame. . .
     Nor, do they even so care if you but so remember their most 
           magnificent names. . .
     All for love of country, so stands the reason why . . . all 
           of these most splendid heroes here so came!
     But, all they ask. . .

     For all they want and all they ask!
     Is but, for you to stand behind them forever there steadfast!
     And as the battle rages on, all they pray for is for your 
           support to carry on . . . and to last!
     That's, all they asked!

     A young Hero died today. . .
     While, it was he or she . . . who here so showed us all the 
           way!
     And now, as they lower this Most Splendid Hero . . . this 
           Most Magnificent Patriot into their grave. . .
     But, did you give them all that they asked . . . is that but 
           what you gave?
     That's all they asked!

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