[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 93 (Wednesday, June 26, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S5258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO ALBERT CAREY CASWELL
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise to recognize a man, Albert Carey
Caswell, who has dedicated his life to recounting the stories of our
Nation's history to the visitors of the U.S. Capitol, as well as many
others who have participated in Albert's tours.
Albert's poetic talent and upbeat attitude has enriched the lives of
his colleagues, Senators, staff and visitors during his nearly 30-year
career in the U.S. Capitol.
Albert is known for his gift of words, in poetry and in prose, which
have left an indelible mark on the Congressional Record, as more than
150 of his poems are included in the Record. More recently, Albert
wrote a poem to honor the late Senator Lautenberg from New Jersey.
Albert got to know Senator Lautenberg from years of escorting
veterans around the U.S. Capitol. Albert had immense respect for
Senator Lautenberg's military record as well as for his enduring
commitment to public service.
Mr. President, I share Albert's ``Let's Be Frank'' poem for all to
read.
Let's Be Frank
Let's!
Let's be Frank!
Of how his long fine life upon this earth so ranks!
Now, that's a Laut . . . En . . . Berg
For he was but a public servant,
Who our Nation all so Heard!
A Jersey Boy
Who so lived The Great American Dream
Who so looked as if he would live forever,
As so it seemed!
In his 80's
he looked like he was in his 60's . . .
Because, hard work was but his life's dignity!
Give me your tired and your poor!
As American opened up her arms and her doors . . .
To a family who came from far across the dark deep shores!
When,
at the edge . . .
as Mankind bled!
He volunteered to join the Army
As he so raised his hand and his life so pledged
To Save The World
In a World War!
While, Fighting in The Big One . . .
So far across those most distant shores!
And came back home,
and yet still to more greatness his heart of courage roamed!
As he took that GI Bill
And climbed another hill . . .
With now a great education he so owned
ADP,
as him and his friends built a great American Company!
But deep down inside . . .
something far much more important out to him so cried!
To serve his country and beloved New Jersey,
his heart would decide!
Like his favorite band Bon Jovi,
``like a cowboy'' he wanted it ``dead or alive!''
Until, finally rising all the way to the top,
To The Senate Floor where he would so stop as he so strived!
In thirty years,
It became oh so very clear!
The title of a United States Senator,
He was so meant to own!
Upon the Senate floor,
where his great shadow would be so cast for evermore!
Now Let's Be Frank,
you were one hell of a public servant and that's for sure!
For yours was a life of standing tall
To somehow,
someway make it a better world for one and all!
For you had a style and a grace!
And a look and a smile upon your face!
And a presence and a command
That so said that you so belonged in this place!
And even though you retired,
you went home and still you had the fire!
So you came back,
To ever one her to so inspire!
Let's Be Frank,
one could not have lived a life much more higher!
Right up to the end,
What you did Frank but so meant so very much!
But as a family man,
as where your greatest accomplishments would stand as such!
For Frank,
you were a giver . . . not a taker!
And it's clear a better world on your life's journey,
You would so make here!
But there's more debates,
Byrd, Stevens, and Teddy up in Heaven you now await!
And all of your GI buddies,
Who the trip home with you never made
Let's Be Frank,
wouldn't we all want to live a long life so great!
Because all in the end,
it's far . . . far . . . far better to give, than to take!
Let's Be Frank!
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