[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 158 (Tuesday, October 3, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1314]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE HEARTS OF TEXAS ARE UPON US

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 3, 2017

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my neighbors in 
South Texas who continue to experience the devastation of Hurricane 
Harvey. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those families for 
their lost loved ones and those who have been displaced by the storm. 
We stand with Texas this day and every day. I include in the Record 
this poem penned in their honor by Albert Carey Caswell.

     The Hearts of Texas are upon us
     All here to so remind us
     All in our hearts to so find us
     All in what we do in our time this
     As their faith and hope,
     and compassion come into view
     Reminding us what is true
     All in this land of that old Red, White, and. Blue
     For in this our country tis a thee
     There has and will always be
     Such men and women of great faith as these
     Who bond together all in their darkest times of need
     Who built The West all in this creed
     While, against all odds helping this Nation to succeed
     And that's what Texas has always been agreed
     So means to me
     Neighbor helping neighbor continually
     Who are color blind and can not see
     Brothers and Sisters reaching out a hand in their time of 
           need
     With smiles upon the faces in what their love begins to breed
     Built on the bedrock of God, Country, and cherished Family
     Shining throughout this day across our country tis of thee
     Teaching us what we need
     Catching on from sea to sea
     Like The Cajun Navy who they helped in the midst of their 
           tragedy
     Showing us that giving is better than taking
     As this giant heart we call Texas has so awakened
     With another heroic chapter written in their history
     Whether, remembering The Alamo,
     in times of war Texas has always battled for victory
     And that's why everything is bigger in Texas you see
     As Hearts of Texas are upon you and me
     So clearly on this day for the world to see
     Teach your children about them and what a real American can 
           be
     All in their most patriotic hearts which bleed
     Red, White, and Blue
     For what is true
     In Texas today you're watching some of America's real Who's 
           Who
     As TEXAS STRONG comes into view
     Yea, The Hearts of Texas are upon us
     To teach us all and to so remind us
     About faith and courage, and how not to be discouraged and 
           make it through
     All in this wonderful nexus that we call Texas True Of God, 
           Family, and Country in all they do
     And yes there will be many dark days ahead
     For all those who have died and bled
     With homes and lives ripped apart let it be said
     But in America,
     Texas Faith and their pioneer spirit has always led
     With their hearts to get through the storms
     Take a knee now and say a prayer for them all so very warm
     And remember all the courage and faith and humanity which 
           will live on
     And what the human spirit can accomplish in hearts so worn
     All in their most heroic Texan hue
     All in their lessons they have taught to me and you
     Bringing our Nation together,
     all in this beautiful song of Texas Strong they do
     Because, on this day we understand what is True,
     as The Hearts of Texas are upon us for all to view.

                          ____________________