[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 10508]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO ALBERT CAREY CASWELL

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise to recognize a man, Albert Carey 
Caswell, who has dedicated his life to recounting the stories of our 
Nation's history to the visitors of the U.S. Capitol, as well as many 
others who have participated in Albert's tours.
  Albert's poetic talent and upbeat attitude has enriched the lives of 
his colleagues, Senators, staff and visitors during his nearly 30-year 
career in the U.S. Capitol.
  Albert is known for his gift of words, in poetry and in prose, which 
have left an indelible mark on the Congressional Record, as more than 
150 of his poems are included in the Record. More recently, Albert 
wrote a poem to honor the late Senator Lautenberg from New Jersey.
  Albert got to know Senator Lautenberg from years of escorting 
veterans around the U.S. Capitol. Albert had immense respect for 
Senator Lautenberg's military record as well as for his enduring 
commitment to public service.
  Mr. President, I share Albert's ``Let's Be Frank'' poem for all to 
read.

                             Let's Be Frank

     Let's!
     Let's be Frank!
     Of how his long fine life upon this earth so ranks!
     Now, that's a Laut . . . En . . . Berg
     For he was but a public servant,
     Who our Nation all so Heard!
     A Jersey Boy
     Who so lived The Great American Dream
     Who so looked as if he would live forever,
     As so it seemed!
     In his 80's
     he looked like he was in his 60's . . . 
     Because, hard work was but his life's dignity!
     Give me your tired and your poor!
     As American opened up her arms and her doors . . . 
     To a family who came from far across the dark deep shores!
     When,
     at the edge . . . 
     as Mankind bled!
     He volunteered to join the Army
     As he so raised his hand and his life so pledged
     To Save The World
     In a World War!
     While, Fighting in The Big One . . . 
     So far across those most distant shores!
     And came back home,
     and yet still to more greatness his heart of courage roamed!
     As he took that GI Bill
     And climbed another hill . . . 
     With now a great education he so owned
     ADP,
     as him and his friends built a great American Company!
     But deep down inside . . . 
     something far much more important out to him so cried!
     To serve his country and beloved New Jersey,
     his heart would decide!
     Like his favorite band Bon Jovi,
     ``like a cowboy'' he wanted it ``dead or alive!''
     Until, finally rising all the way to the top,
     To The Senate Floor where he would so stop as he so strived!
     In thirty years,
     It became oh so very clear!
     The title of a United States Senator,
     He was so meant to own!
     Upon the Senate floor,
     where his great shadow would be so cast for evermore!
     Now Let's Be Frank,
     you were one hell of a public servant and that's for sure!
     For yours was a life of standing tall
     To somehow,
     someway make it a better world for one and all!
     For you had a style and a grace!
     And a look and a smile upon your face!
     And a presence and a command
     That so said that you so belonged in this place!
     And even though you retired,
     you went home and still you had the fire!
     So you came back,
     To ever one her to so inspire!
     Let's Be Frank,
     one could not have lived a life much more higher!
     Right up to the end,
     What you did Frank but so meant so very much!
     But as a family man,
     as where your greatest accomplishments would stand as such!
     For Frank,
     you were a giver . . . not a taker!
     And it's clear a better world on your life's journey,
     You would so make here!
     But there's more debates,
     Byrd, Stevens, and Teddy up in Heaven you now await!
     And all of your GI buddies,
     Who the trip home with you never made
     Let's Be Frank,
     wouldn't we all want to live a long life so great!
     Because all in the end,
     it's far . . . far . . . far better to give, than to take!
     Let's Be Frank!

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