[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 17300]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        THE POEM AMERICAN PRIDE

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, the events of September 11 were 
very tragic and very traumatic for our Nation, especially our children. 
This poem, written by 10-year-old James Dillon Hughes of Bourg, LA, 
demonstrates, very simply, what is great about America. In these few 
lines James captures the spirit of his country, stronger now than ever 
before. It is our job to ensure that the freedoms we enjoy now will 
still ring true for our children and future generations to follow. 
James wrote this on September 13, 2001, only two days after the 
terrible events of September 11. Even after those tragic events, James 
was still able to show his American Pride. I was so moved upon reading 
this poem that I ask that it be printed in the Record.
  The poem follows:

     American Pride
     I am proud to be an American
     I am proud to be free
     I'm proud to be able to choose anything I want to be.

     I can be a doctor, a lawyer or a priest
     Because I live in a country
     That allows me to be free.

     Our country was somewhat divided
     Now it has united
     Let's keep it strong and free.

     Where leaders teach and guide us
     Always stand beside us
     And show us the way to be.

     Our country is rich
     Our army is strong
     Living in America
     Could never be wrong.

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