[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31959]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 A STRONG SON OF THE SOUTH IN HONOR OF SPC CRAIG C. SMITH, THE UNITED 
                              STATES ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2009

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a real 
American Hero, SPC Craig C. Smith of the 172nd Infantry Bgd 9th Eng 
from Montgomery County, Alabama. On April 5, 2009 in Iraq, after an IED 
blast, he almost lost his life . . . but did lose his leg. His battle 
to overcome his next victory is a lesson to us all. A lesson about 
faith and courage, and rebuilding his life. Along the way his mother, 
Rosanna Smith, like so many other mothers and parents have helped their 
sons and daughters with their unending support. I ask that this poem 
penned by Albert Caswell of the Capitol Guide Service be placed in the 
Record to honor him.

                       A Strong Son of the South

     On battlefields of honor bright . . .
     There are but those who must win that 
           fight . . .
     Who must march so bravely off to war . . .
     To bare the burden, and all of that heartache endure . . .
     Armed but with only their most courageous hearts, they soar . 
           . .
     While, there in the face of dark evil and death . . .
     As they so boldly fight with all that they so have left!
     From where does such strength and courage so come?
     And how do you raise such a magnificent Southern Son?
     A Strong Son of the South, this fine one!
     From but a family of love . . .
     And a fine Mother, who but holds her son so very high above . 
           . .
     Sweet Home Alabama, this one she loves!
     And in times of war . . .
     There are new battles, that these fine heroes and families 
           must now endure . . .
     When, in the midst of hell . . . as close to death, your fine 
           heart so swells . . .
     As you lose your fine strong leg, will you win this new 
           battle?
     As it's for him we pray!
     For only armed with hearts of courage 
           full . . .
     Will over evil, and heartache so rule!
     For you Craig, were once the one . . .
     Who like a deer, could so run . . .
     Jump so high with all of your speed . . .
     A sheer Tour De force, but for his country he would bleed!
     You're A Bama!
     That can't be stopped!
     With your heart of a hero, Craig you'll climb this mountain . 
           . . but to the top!
     For you got a life to live, and so much to our world to give 
           . . .
     For our Lord God put's men like you upon this earth . . .
     Fine men like you, in all your worth . . .
     To Teach Us, To Reach Us, To All of Our Hearts, To So Beseech 
           Us!
     Freedom Fighters, in our Lord's eyes . . . Heroes like you 
           Craig so come first . . .
     And if ever I have a son, I but hope and pray he could grow 
           up to be like you fine one!
     A Strong Son of the South . . .

                          ____________________