[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1741-E1742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ``FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS DAY'': IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the memory of 
President John F. Kennedy. On the fiftieth anniversary of his tragic 
passing, it is important to remember all of the ideals that President 
Kennedy championed and the many Americans that have dedicated their 
lives to public service based on his example. In honor of President 
Kennedy, I submit this poem penned by Albert Carey Caswell.

                        Fifty Years Ago This Day

                       (By Albert Carey Caswell)

     Fifty years ago this day . . .
     As a Nation cried and prayed . . .
     Fifty years ago this day . . .
     As up to Heaven,
     an American Hero made his way . . .
     Fifty years ago this day . . .
     as our Nation's hearts gave way!
     Fifty years ago this day . . .
     As Camelot,
     came to an end that day!
     As a Nation's great hopes were so torn away!
     As the tears so ran down her face . . .
     Fifty years ago today!
     For we will long remember,
     where we were so then there . . .
     Fifty years ago this day . . .
     When,
     we lost our most beloved JFK . . .
     As we all so knelt and prayed!
     As up towards Heaven a new Angel made his way . . .
     Fifty years ago this day . . .
     So young and so bright,
     who so fought to fight . . .
     To Save The World!
     In World War II,
     aboard P.T. 109 all in his most heroic hue . . .

[[Page E1742]]

     All in his ``Profiles in Courage'' as he stood true!
     JFK,
     a better world so made!
     With his ``Profiles in Courage'' leading the way!
     ``Let Us All Go Forth'' as you would say!
     To walk upon the moon,
     a dream all in your bold heart had grown!
     And oh that hair!
     Causing all to stop and stare!
     Touching and inspiring hearts everywhere!
     And oh that voice,
     as so surely you were America's choice!
     When leaders lead,
     up to new heights our hearts so hoist!
     And oh those Brothers Four,
     such a work of art of a family's love adorned!
     And a lovely wife Jackie . . .
     Who all in those tragic days,
     out of all that ashes so led the way!
     As to her children the hope and strength,
     so gave!
     As all of their she so eased!
     Fifty years ago this day!
     Jon Jon . . . and Caroline,
     oh how heavy our hearts so weighted!
     Fifty years ago this day!
     As we lost our most beloved JFK!
     And now as we so contemplate,
     what we so lost on that day!
     As a hole in America's heart was so made!
     Fifty years ago this day!
     As we all had to so Go Forth!
     All out on our course!
     To achieve so what up ahead so awaits!
     All in our hopes and dreams,
     to so sow in our hearts these seeds!
     As fifty some years ago!
     As a Nation so awoke,
     to the words he so spoke . . .
     Almost like a prayer,
     on an Inauguration spoken there!
     ``Ask not what your country can do for you?''
     ``But, what you can do for your country!''
     All in what JFK was invoking!
     To such new heights,
     where only dreams are made by those who burn bright!
     As the torch has been passed . . .
     ``Let Us Go Forth!''
     Like that great Irish poet named John,
     who inspired us to dream dreams far beyond!
     Dearest Jack!
     Dearest John!
     JFK!
     You are gone,
     but not forgotten . . .
     As your rising tide,
     made all boats rise!
     Casting your brief light!
     As life a Star you rose so high,
     and you were gone as we all cried!
     Fifty years ago this day!
     To Reach For the Stars,
     and shoot for the Moon to go far!
     As we will remember that smile,
     and those eyes . . ..
     and that hair and his Irish charm as comprised!
     As up in Heaven now,
     a pickup football game rages on up in the skies!
     And then a shot rang out . . .
     on that dark day when the music died!
     As we will never know what could have been?
     But we knew what was so then!
     And that we have all so been cheated by this dark sin!
     But Jack,
     all of that light you so left behind!
     Still, beckons to us all so all in time . . .
     To Go Forth!
     To Dream Dreams all out on our course!
     All in the service to Mankind,
     we feel your force!
     Yes, Dearest Jack . . .
     My Dearest John . . .
     you have left,
     but you are not gone!
     As your fine life,
     among this world lives on!
     Now,
     ``Let Us Go Forth'' . . .
     And by your Profiles in Courage,
     let all our hearts be warned!
     As we remember,
     what took place fifty years ago this day . . .
     As together let us pray.

                          ____________________