[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 40 (Monday, March 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ``MY GOLD STAR,'' A POEM WRITTEN BY DEBB CLAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANA ROHRABACHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2016

  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, as Americans and free people we must 
always remember the sacrifices made by those our country sends into 
harm's way. Their courage and sacrifice allows us to live in a safer 
world. It is equally fitting that we also remember and consider those 
who are left behind--their wives, husbands, children and parents. And 
so I submit a poem entitled ``My Gold Star'' written by Debb Clay, a 
retired teacher with 40 years' service to our youth:

     I took the road ``less traveled'' and arrived upon a shore
     Where sunlight danced on surface currents-opening a door
     To memories of you and me--our feet upon the sand
     And how our voices filled the air as your touch filled my 
           hand.

     You were just a little child but even then you knew
     That giving of yourself was all that you were meant to do,
     And day by day you walked the path that led you toward the 
           day
     You'd place your country and its worth ahead of ``Self'' and 
           say,

     ``I'll go and serve and do my part to keep my homeland free,
     When others tread a different path it matters not to me,
     For this I know and will profess to all who choose to hear,
     Our country needs us all to serve and that is why I'm here.''

     I stand alone now on that shore, as sorrow fills my brow
     A mix of tears and smiles collide with thoughts of then and 
           now,
     Yet as I witness warmth and sparkle from the water's skin,
     The silent streams upon my face with brilliant light begin

     To fill my heart, the air, this place with who you really are
     And what you did and why you had to venture out so far,
     So now I'm left without you here--my grief I try to hide
     But what I can show is my ``star''--it shines as does my 
           pride.

                          ____________________