[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 17057]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO LANCE CORPORAL LARRY GENE BAILEY II

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of one of Illinois' 
most heroic sons, LCpl Larry Gene Bailey II of Zion. Lance Corporal 
Bailey joined the Marines in October 2007, and like his father, a 
Vietnam Veteran, he too wanted to serve his country. His parents and 
his country are very proud of his service and sacrifice.
  On June 23, 2011 in Helmand province, Lance Corporal Bailey ran to a 
rooftop to provide cover for his unit under heavy fire. An improvised 
explosive device took both of his legs and one of his arms. This young 
man's will to live and recover are an inspiration to us all.
  With the support of his parents Mary and Larry, he has made great 
strides in his recovery. This Veterans Day, our nation owes a great 
debt of gratitude to families like the Baileys, whose service to our 
nation continues to preserve our American way of life.
  I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a poem penned 
in honor of Lance Corporal Bailey by Albert Caswell.

                          Make My Father Proud


IN HONOR OF AN AMERICAN HERO LANCE CORPORAL LARRY GENE BAILEY II. LIMA 
CO. \3/4\ BATTALION 7TH MARINES DIVISION THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

     A son is born . . .
     Out of a love so very warm . . .
     His dad, an American hero . . . who for our Nation so wore 
           the uniform . . .
     As day after day, a love built up . . . that which time could 
           not so take away, or so harm!
     Until, like father like son . . . He too, would serve his 
           country tis of thee one!
     As a United States Marine, all in those most magnificent 
           shades of green!
     For in his heart, he so wanted to be . . . just like his Dad 
           . . . his father he!
     His Dad, in the Navy, so served in Vietnam aboard a submarine 
           . . .
     But, his fine son Larry . . . Hooo . . . rah! Became a United 
           States Marine!
     And they have better uniforms Dad, all in his most heroic 
           shades of green!
     And oh what a striking figure he'd so 
           cast . . .
     As this quiet hero, stood tall . . . and so did all that they 
           so asked!
     As into the face of hell, as Lance Corporal Bailey II . . . 
           so stood fast!
     So strong, with combat ribbons on his chest!
     As he so wanted, to make his Father proud!
     When, on that fateful day . . .
     As a IED, almost took his fine life away . . .
     As this mountain of a man, so lost his arm and both of his 
           legs . . .
     So close to death, as when this quiet hero's courage would so 
           crest!
     As his new battle began on that day, but To Be The Best!
     As this quiet hero, so courageously so wiped all of those 
           tears away!
     And his Father with tears in his eyes, and mother too upon 
           their knees for his son so prayed!
     As this hero from Zion, his Father's son . . . got up that 
           day!
     And ran all with his heart of courage full, and so made his 
           way!
     A way of hope and courage, to so show us all!
     what faith in hearts can so nourish!
     For he is his Father's son, and Mother's 
           child . . .
     as over the years so much from them he had so learned!
     But, now the tides have changed . . . as now its his Father, 
           who so calls out his name!
     As he so wants to be, just like his son . . . you see!
     As now, he is the one who so makes his Father proud . . .
     and like his son wants to be!
     As to our nation, and our hearts . . . his Strength In Honor 
           so speaks!
     As one of The Illini's, most courageous of all sons!
     This American Hero, his Father's Son!
     For some people are put on this earth, to so Teach us all in 
           their great worth!
     To so make us all so very proud!
     To show us all, where faith and honor so lives now!
     And how a Father's and Mother's love, can so raise a splendid 
           child so how!
     That's right Marine, you make us all so proud!
     As we watch you and your fine heart and soul, so rebuild so 
           now . . .
     As to one and all, your most magnificent heart speaks so 
           loud!
     Because, Marine's don't cry or pout!
     Because, Marines they get things done . . . as they move up 
           and out!
     And if ever I have a son Larry,
     I wish he could make me half as proud, as you've made your 
           parents my son!
     Because this Marine from Zion, even makes his fellow Marines 
           cheer Hoo rah . . . so now!
     So keep you heard up my son,
     Because your Father is so Proud of you for all that you've 
           done!
     And so too is our Lord, who'll one day up in Heaven with you 
           he will run!
     Moments, upon this earth . . . are all we have! To make a 
           difference with it all!
     To change the world! To go off with hearts of courage full, 
           as so unfurled!
     As it's you Larry, who so makes us all so proud . . .
     Above us all, Lance Corporal Bailey . . . you stand so tall!

                          ____________________