[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22097]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                POEMS BY WENDELL PIGG AND EDYTHE OWSTON

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                             HON. ED BRYANT

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2001

  Mr. BRYANT. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to share with the Members of the 
House of Representatives two excellent poems written by my 
constituents. Both are members of Unit 19, American Legion Auxiliary in 
Columbia, TN. Post Commander Wendell Pigg, grew up on a farm in Maury 
County and served our Nation during the Korean war. Despite ill health 
at times, his love of country and devotion to his community has never 
waned. He was so moved by the happenings of September 11, 2001, that 3 
days later he wrote a poem entitled ``Our Flag, Old Glory.''

                          Our Flag, Old Glory

                           (By Wendell Pigg)

     You've been shelled and shot and battered around
     Burned and cast upon the ground
     You've had terrorists attack you and tear you down,
     Lifted you up and bent you around.
     You've been mistreated on land and on sea
     You have always gotten up for us to see.
     I saw you today, at half-mast you stood
     I noticed you really didn't look so good.
     Tears were seen falling as our Old Glory wept.
     We could tell it had been a while since you had slept
     Thank you, Old Flag, for seeing this through
     Another crisis for me and you.
     Old Glory they call you and, Oh, what a name
     With all your splendor and all your fame.
     You've stood with us and have held our hand
     God Bless America, United We Stand!

  Auxiliary member, Edythe Owston, is not a native Tennessean, but has 
become a vital part of the community since moving from California in 
1994. The events of September 11 moved her to write a poem, entitled 
``Our Great Country.''

                           Our Great Country

                           (By Edythe Owston)

     Our ancestors came from overseas,
     When they landed here they fell to their knees.
     They were given the freedom they did not know,
     Thankfulness and prayers they had to show.
     They made a great nation, for which we are proud,
     Prejudice and hatred should not be allowed.
     Now let's work together to keep this land blessed.
     It will happen if we all do our best.
     So three cheers for red, white, and blue,
     This great country that belongs to me and you.

     

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