[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E341]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  WHEN, HEARTS TOOK FLIGHT, IN HONOR OF THE MAGNIFICENT WOMEN OF THE 
AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS THE WASP AND THEIR COURAGEOUS ACTS DURING WWII 
AND THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL CEREMONY MARCH 10, 2010 AT THE UNITED 
                  STATES CAPITOL ``SAVING THE WORLD''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 10, 2010

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of 
The Magnificent Women of the WASP, Women Airforce Service Pilots of 
World War II and the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medals to 
them on this day, March 10th 2010 in the United States Capitol. Our 
nation owes a great debt of gratitude to these women of faith and 
courage, who helped set the stage so that this war could be won. 
Breaking and fighting stereotypes, they helped to forge the way for 
women in today's world. As their courage, character and dedication were 
key to Saving The World. As the son of a World War II Flying Tiger of 
the 14th Air force, Hugh deV. Wilson, I appreciate firsthand the 
extraordinary pilots who protected the people of India and China 
defeating totalitarians worldwide. For as this darkness approached and 
mankind bled, they stood at the edge and helped To Save The World. I 
ask that this poem penned in honor of them and their families by Albert 
Caswell, a very thoughtful poet and patriot, of the United States 
Capitol Guide Service be placed in the Record.

                        When, Hearts Took Flight

     As a time ago . . .
     As when, it looked as though . . .
     The world stood, at its edge . . .
     As Woman and Mankind bled . . .
     With Satan on the rise . . .
     As his son's filled the darkened skies . . .
     With all his dark death and hate, as this evil begins!
     Would this be the end, of woman and mankind?
     As upon them, all our hopes hinged . . .
     When, Hearts took flight!
     To but bring their light!
     Lifting us all above, to such high heights!
     To all of those wrongs, to right!
     All in their strength, and might!
     To help Save The World . . .
     But, for their country they so loved . . .
     Upon, the wings of a dove!
     As a darkness approached!
     As upon them, were placed all our hopes . . .
     As out across the world, such an evil unfurled!
     When, came such women of faith To Save The World . . .
     To rise up, with such splendid courage in eyes!
     To fight a war, and all those stereotypes . . . those lies!
     To but bring their light!
     As this fearless force of women, so won the night!
     All out upon their most heroic course . . .
     With, but only their most courageous hearts to voice . . .
     To Fly!
     As was but a time When Hearts Took Flight!
     To win that day, that night!
     To Soar so bright, and reach for the skies . . .
     Heroines, pioneers on the cutting edge!
     Upon, these machines of steel their fine lives were pledged!
     Magnificent test pilots, who died and bled!
     Carriers of freedom, who all in their actions so led!
     Who flew the planes to the theater, as the blood ran red!
     Over 25,000, would apply . . .
     But only 1,074 . . . the cream of the crop, would fly!
     As The WASP . . .
     The WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS, so filled the skies!
     All for God and Country, but ready to die!
     For no war could be won, without these ones!
     All in what they had done, now all so etched in history's 
           sun!
     To ``Help Save The World!''
     To teach all of our little boys and girls!
     What can be done, when courage is unfurled!
     And hearts take, flight!
     So on this day, we now bestow . . .
     Upon, all of these . . . and all of those!
     Most Magnificent Patriots of Peace we know . . .
     The Congressional Gold Medal . . . So!
     Great American patriots, with such hearts of gold!
     And Ladies, your final flight . . .
     Will be, up to our Lord in Heaven's light!
     Because, you helped . . . ``Save The World''!
     As history will find!
     It was but a time, when hearts took flight!
     Amen . . .

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