[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 9798-9799]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'S TROOPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 11, 2003

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to bring to your 
attention a poem that was read at a ``Support the Troops Rally'' on 
March 22, 2003, in Jefferson City, Missouri. These words were given to 
the crowd by Rita Turley of Jefferson City, though they were written by 
an unknown author. Ms. Turley understands the words of the poem, as she 
has a son serving in Iraq, in the Infantry Regiment of the 101st 
Airborne, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that the members of the House should welcome 
these words of support and dedication.

     I am a small and precious child, my mom's been sent to fight.
     The only place I'll see her face is in my dreams at night.
     She will be gone too many days for my young mind to track.
     I may be sad, but I am proud. God, protect her in Iraq.

     I am a strong and loving wife, with a husband soon to go.
     There are times I'm terrified in a way most never know.
     I bite my lip, and force a smile as I watch my husband pack.
     My heart may break, but I am proud. God, protect him in Iraq.

     I am a caring mother, my son has gone to war.

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     My mind is filled with worries that I have never known 
           before.
     Everyday I try to keep my thoughts from turning black.
     I may be scared, but I am proud. God, protect him in Iraq.

     I am a Soldier, Serving Proudly, Standing Tall.
     I fight for freedom, yours and mine, by answering this call.
     I do my job while knowing, the thanks it sometimes lacks.
     Say a prayer that I'll come home. . . . God, protect me in 
           Iraq.

                          ____________________