[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF FALLEN HERO'S DEATH--IN HONOR OF ARMY SPECIALIST 
                          ARMER NATHAN BURKART

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WAYNE T. GILCHREST

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 2008

  Mr. GILCHREST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to submit a poem penned by 
Albert Caswell of The United States Capitol Guide Service, in honor of 
a real American hero, Army Specialist Armer Nathan Burkart, on the eve 
of the 2nd anniversary of his gallant life and most tragic death in 
Baghdad, Iraq, on May 11, 2006. A Rockville native who gave that last 
full measure for all of us. Remember him this coming Memorial Day.

                               Armer All

     Armer All . . .
     Strength in honor, an American Hero who heard the call!
     Who so marched off to war like all of his fine forefathers 
           have done so before!

     A man of character, and faith . . .
     A brave heart, who but to his country 'tis of thee so gave 
           and gave!
     But All . . . But, his fine life . . . he who so sacrificed, 
           showing us all how to behave!

     A soul,
     One's being, so deep down inside one's heart which holds!
     The Armer, The Mantle of Gold . . . to go and do, to shine in 
           the light of a hero's glow!

     To march forward, with clenched fists!
     To stare straight into that the darkest of all faces, that of 
           death!
     To give all until none lies left, to the future . . . our 
           most precious sons and daughters bless!

     A Maryland Man,
     Who so showed us all what a warm heart of Armer and faith so 
           can!
     But, only the very few . . . can and have so done, as Heaven 
           won . . . our fine son . . . Armer you!

     A leader of men,
     An Angel on Earth, who our Lord would so send!
     And now, as your short time is done . . . to Heaven rise my 
           son . . .as your new battle begins!

     As an Angel in the Army of our Lord,
     As on Earth you brought your light, from heaven now you 
           continue the fight . . . evermore!
     For yours, your life Burkart . . . was but our Lord's work of 
           art . . . for what you so stood for!

     Armer . . . You!
     You, so lived and died for What Is Real . . . For What Is 
           True!
     Can you but hear our tears? All for you, and your fine life . 
           . . and all of your lost years!

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