[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7625]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                        AMERICA'S HEART AND SOUL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2015

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and in honor 
of all of The Fallen and their families this Memorial Day. The Men and 
Women who have given that last full measure in the name of freedom. I 
submit this poem penned by Albert Carey Caswell.

     On this Monday each year.
     As all across our Nation appears.
     Rows of flags in graveyards here.
     And far across the distant shores too revered!
     As we take the time as a Nation so clear.
     With memories of them in our hearts so dear.
     As the parade's line the streets all across the towns.
     As throughout the Nation in graveyards planted flags are 
           found.
     When, we as a Nation take the time to stop and pause.
     To remember and honor all of those patriot's in their just 
           cause.
     Because, Memorial Day represents America's very Heart so 
           clear.
     Her very soul all in what we hold dear!
     For on no other day do we as a Nation remember and grieve so 
           here.
     And shed such tears,
     as above all else this ranks each year.
     For all of those who now lie in soft cold quiet graves.
     Who over the decades have shown,
     how men and women of honor behave!
     I'm sorry but your son Johnny's not coming home!
     But for the greater good their fine lives they gave!
     Because Freedom Is Not Free,
     but with only most precious lives bought and paid!
     A price so high and grave!
     Remember this,
     and remember them this Memorial Day!
     And give thanks to all of their families with tears upon 
           their faces.
     Whose hearts on this and everyday so break in places!
     And thank all those heroes who came back from war.
     Without arms and legs and PTS the more!
     Who the rest of their young lives must endure.
     Memorial Day is our heart and soul,
     the one fine reason we have all that we behold!
     Our Freedom bought and paid for with the blood of human gold!
     The one's who will never get that chance to grow old!
     Carry them in your hearts so,
     and give thanks and remember what to them you owe!
     Memorial Day is but,
     America's Heart and Soul!

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