[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 8, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMENDATION OF DARRON McKINNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HANSEN CLARKE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 8, 2012

  Mr. CLARKE of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Darron 
McKinney as a law enforcement officer and role model in Detroit, 
Michigan.
  Officer McKinney caught the nation's attention when he gave a 
riveting performance of his original song, ``A Call to Courage,'' at 
the National Law Enforcement Officers memorial candlelight vigil on May 
13, 2001 in Washington D.C. The song pays tribute to slain police 
officers and their families.
  After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the song became a symbol of 
American bravery and unity, and is now considered a tribute to the 
first responders who served in the 9/11 recovery efforts. Many local 
and national TV stations broadcast the footage of Officer McKinney's 
performance, and the performance is regularly televised on the Pentagon 
Network.
  Ten years after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the 
Pentagon, Officer McKinney's song reminds us of the love and 
appreciation we have for our first responders and members of our 
military. When disaster strikes, first responders like Officer McKinney 
help keep our families, neighborhoods, and communities safe.
   ``A Call to Courage'' is a fitting tribute to our men and women in 
uniform. It is with great honor that I recognize Officer McKinney's 
contributions.

                           A Call to Courage

                        Officer Darron McKinney

       Life, the chance to live, the chance to learn, the chance 
     to teach, the chance to give, test you made a choice, you 
     took a stand, you took the oath, you found your voice.
       You made the sacrifice, then you took God's advice, you 
     heard your call to courage.
       Shield the public trust, protecting lives, respect and 
     pride to serve and honor. Faith, your trust in God, that 
     special path, you must be brave to guard our freedom.
       When your life's on the line, in your heart and your mind 
     you have a call to courage.

                          ____________________