[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 194 (Friday, December 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF ALBERT CASWELL AND THE MEN AND WOMEN OF OUR NATION'S ARMED 
                                SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2011

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Albert ``Bert'' 
Caswell.
  Bert has worked as a United States Capitol tour guide for over 
twenty-five years. He is known throughout the Capitol for his 
extraordinary work and selfless attitude. After hours, Bert volunteers 
his time offering Capitol tours to wounded veterans and participants of 
the Make-A-Wish foundation. He also visits and writes poems for wounded 
soldiers at local hospitals to lift their spirits and celebrate their 
heroic nature.
  Mr. Speaker, I submit before you a poem, authored by Albert, 
reflecting on the extraordinary sacrifices and courage of the men and 
women of our Nation's Armed Services.

                            Christmas Tears

     This Christmas season, as you awake. . . .
     Please, so take the time to so take. . . .
     To remember in this December, all of those families whose 
           hearts now quake. . . .
     For they are so separated, so far across the shores . . . by 
           such dark and most evil war. . . .
     All in fear, not knowing . . . if but their loved ones may 
           live but one day more. . . .
     So say a prayer. . . .
     Because, there will be tears across this nation. . . . 
           Christmas Tears. . . .
     And as you so see the smiles upon your children's faces. . . 
           .
     Remember, there are such men and women of honor, fighting all 
           in such dark places. . . .
     Giving all of their treasure, oh yes That Last Full Measure . 
           . . so you may live in peace. . . .
     So say a prayer and shed a tear, for all of them and all of 
           these so here . . . Our Patriots of Peace!
     And all of the ones, who now so in hospitals, who have so 
           just begun their new battles in this new year. So shed 
           a tear. . . .
     For the ones who now so live without arms and legs, and holes 
           in all places . . . teaching us all what faith is!
     For them all so shed a tear!
     And for all of those most magnificent ones, as Thy Will Be 
           Done, On Earth As It Is In Heaven now in the ground . . 
           . for freedom won! Shed a tear. . . .
     For all those little boys and girls, who have just lost their 
           best friends in the world. . . .
     Its so sad now, shed a tear. . . .
     And as you so sing your songs of joy, remember all of these 
           little girls and boys in your hearts so very loud! And 
           shed a tear. . . .
     And in this evening as you break your bread, remember to say 
           a prayer for all those whom have bled!
     All so you can be free and live in peace. . . .
     Please shed a tear, and say a prayer for all of these. . . .
     A child is born. . . .
     As we remember on this golden morn. . . .
     Remember all of their Christian Acts, for their courage does 
           not lack. . . .
     So for all of our Armed Forces, shed a tear. . . .
     Say a prayer, that they will all be home one day . . . safe 
           and sound in the coming years. . . .
     And on this Christmas night as you so lay yourself down to 
           sleep. . . .
     All in your hearts, so very deep. . . . Say a prayer. . . .
     That our Lord will so watch over all of these. . . .
     And say a prayer for peace . . . do so please. . . .
     Now, on this night from high above. . . .
     But comes a gentle rain, soft falling snow flakes from our 
           Lord all in his love. . . .
     All for their selfless sacrifice, all of these fine men and 
           women who now must fight. . . .
     Are but our Lord's tears, for all these and their families on 
           this night. . . .
     So say a prayer and shed a tear, and so pray that they will 
           all be back next year. . . .
     But, with their loved ones, on Christmas night. . . .
     Lord God, Bless Them. . . . Bless Them All! Thank Them All. . 
           . .
     And say a prayer and shed a tear for all those most 
           magnificent families and heroes who answer the call!
     Thank them all and shed a tear.

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