[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          THE FIRST IN FREEDOM

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 10, 2018

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Fallen American 
hero Marc Lee Allen who was KIA August 2, 2006. He inspired his Brother 
In Arms Chris Kyle to write his book, American Sniper. Last week on 
March 20th would have been Marc's 40th birthday. The graveyards are 
filled with magnificent selfless heroes like Marc. The ones who have 
given That Last Full Measure for all of us over the years. He was the 
first Navy SEAL to die in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His Brothers In Arms 
knew him as a strong patriot, a fierce competitor, a loving husband, 
and a faithful Christian. I include in the Record this poem penned in 
his honor by Albert Carey Caswell.

                          The First in Freedom

                        By Albert Carey Caswell

     The First
     The First In Freedom
     The First in light
     In every war,
     in every battle,
     in every fight,
     there are always those who must be the first to die
     Which brings such heartache and tears of sorrow to loved 
           ones' eyes
     Whose brave hearts must burn bright
     Who we all need this night
     So all at speed, so all in sight
     Those brave hearts who fight the fight
     Who bring their light
     Who evil must fight
     Who leave all they love to over evil rise above
     And lie down their most precious lives.
     As up in Heaven the Angels cry
     And don't ask why?
     All in their most patriotic hearts comprised
     And for all their Brothers In Arms ready to die
     As did you Marc all in your most magnificent heart comprised
     As realized
     Was such a heart of gold
     To all our children must be told
     To carry with us as we grow old
     And for you Marc,
     Heaven a place so holds
     When, in that moment of truth be told
     As it was you Marc who gave us the proof with your lessons of 
           gold
     All in what is in a hero's heart to know
     And so, made up of so
     As into the line of fire you'd go
     All in that Selfless Book of America's Who's Who to know
     Who but for the greater good gave all they could
     That last full measure,
     for surely there can be no greater treasure
     As you became the first Navy SEAL in this war to lose your 
           life,
     And oh how Marc your loved ones and Brothers will miss you 
           so,
     But, they will hear you on the wind
     And when they awake they will feel your presence next to 
           them,
     as overnight watching over you they have been.
     And when there comes a gentle rain,
     you will feel our Lord's tear wash down upon you to ease your 
           pain
     Until, one day up in Heaven together you will all again
     And you won't have to cry no more
     The first to fight
     The first to die
     With tears in eyes we now ask why?
     As like you Marc its upon our faith we must rely
     Sadly, because Freedom is not Free
     But, only bought and paid for by you and all of these
     Who are the first to die
     Could we?
     Would we?
     In the moment of truth would we up to new heights so rise?
     SEALed with a kiss
     And now we lay your sacred body down to rest
     We pray for you and your family our Lord to bless.
     At Ease my son,
     for you are one of America's Best
     Who are The First In Freedom,
     who all of us bless.
     Amen.

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