[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 75 (Friday, May 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E968-E969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE OF SERGEANT MICHAEL TOUSSAINT-HYLE WASHINGTON, A 
            UNITED STATES MARINE KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2011

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Sergeant Michael Toussaint-Hyle Washington, a United States Marine 
who was killed with three other Marines while supporting combat 
operations in the Farah Province in Afghanistan when an improvised 
explosive device struck their Humvee on June 14, 2008.
  Michael T. Washington was born on October 6, 1987 at Camp Pendleton 
where his father Michael Washington Senior served also as a Marine. 
Michael would follow in his father's and his grandfather's footsteps to 
become his family's third generation to serve in the United States 
Marine Corps.
  Early on, young Michael Washington had a strong sense of faith and 
duty. As a student at Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington, 
Michael enjoyed playing soccer, reading, playing practical jokes on his 
family, and was a member of Stadium's ROTC program.
  While listening to a story on the radio with his father, Michael 
heard a journalist speak highly of the Marines after returning from 
Iraq. The journalist spoke of the Marines' virtues and bravery on and 
off the battlefield. Michael Senior knew his son was destined to become 
a Marine when his son turned to him and said, ``I want to defend people 
who can't defend themselves. It takes a lot for people to stand up and 
do this.''
  Michael Washington did just that, joining the Marine Corps at age 17. 
On March 11, 2007, a year before his death, then-Corporal Washington's 
squad was ambushed in Iraq. Washington provided the support fire 
necessary to enable his fellow endangered Marines to escape the kill 
zone and return to safety. He received commendations from the 2nd 
Battalion, 7th Marines for Outstanding Achievement in the performance 
of his duties as Fire Team Leader of the 3rd Platoon, Golf Company. 
Washington was promoted to Sergeant soon after to become squad leader 
in the 1st Platoon at only the age of 20.
  Sergeant Washington died a proud Marine while serving in the 2nd 
Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary 
Forces. Michael is survived by his father Michael Washington Senior--a 
Seattle firefighter and former United States Marine, his mother Grace 
Washington--an artist, community activist, and teacher at Salhalie 
Middle School, and his sister Aja Collins--an Army veteran whose 
husband Erik recently returned from Afghanistan where he served with 
the 101st Airborne.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
please join me in paying tribute to Sergeant Michael Toussaint-Hyle 
Washington in honor of his love and sacrifice for our Nation.
  In honor of Michael, I also ask that this poem, penned by Mr. Albert 
Caswell, be placed in the Record.

                           His Parent's Son!

     His, Parent's Son!
     This, most magnificent of all ones!
     This, United States Marine . . .
     So brilliant there . . . all in your most heroic shades of 
           green!
     His Father's Son, who had so learned from his Father's Father 
           . . .
     And, all of these ones!
     As all three were but United States Marines!
     As you Michael so watched your Father, growing up to be . . .
     Just like him, as will be done!
     Ooorah. . . . three generations of United States Marines . . 
           .
     As all were but our America's very best, her cream!
     As To Strength In Honor Michael, your fine heart would so 
           convene!
     As They Will Be Done, on earth as in Heaven . . . you now 
           rein!
     As Michael, you were but one . . .
     Who so died and bled, one of our Nation's most golden of all 
           sons!
     Such selfless sacrifice, and such brilliance. . . . Which 
           shines so bright, is so hard to explain!
     Dying, for your fellow woman, child, and man. . . . As seen!
     As you so stood so very grand, all in those magnificent 
           shades of green!
     Teaching us so all about. . . . What the word love so truly 
           means!
     As a Freedom Fighter, who so shined so bright there in heroic 
           shades of green!
     As Michael, you live on. . . . all in our hopes and dreams!
     Just, like the morning sun. . . . to you, our hearts so run!
     Moments, are all we have!
     To bring the light!
     To fight the darkness!
     To worship the good, and win that fight!
     As you so boldly marched off to war!
     All because of your most magnificent soul. . . .
     As why for you Michael, we so mourn!
     All at the loss of you, and for all of yours!
     Is but just that high price of freedom, that for us Michael 
           you so paid!
     And we so too suffer, living without you no more!
     And across Washington on this night, as you so lay your head 
           down and begin to cry. . . .
     And but our Lord's tears, for you Michael. . . . As he now so 
           weeps!
     Knowing, of your most sacred gift. . . . And of your most 
           devout life so lived!
     To ease your pain. . . .
     So have a most gentle sleep, let not your hearts so weep. . . 
           .
     For Michael is an Angel now, as ever with you to keep!
     And you shall see him again. . . .
     Enlisted, In the Army of our Lord. . . . Across the heavens 
           he so reaches. . . .
     All because of Michael, what your fine life so meant!
     Making A Difference With It All, as was how your precious 
           time was spent!
     As you so lived and died, so benevolent!
     Answering, that call to arms. . . . Your fine life so spent!
     For, no greater pain can so be felt!
     Then, to lose your only wonderful son, as before our Lord 
           you've cried and knelt!
     As, I pray your most broken heart will heal!

[[Page E969]]

     Because, your fine son. . . . Your Marine Michael, so died 
           for what is right!
     And what is real!
     As you must remember, one day in Heaven. . . .
     Your son's arms around you, you shall feel!
     And if ever I have a son,
     I but hope and pray, he could be like your fine one!
     Michael, His Father's Son!
     And Mother's only most brilliant one!
     Amen!

                          ____________________