H*5192 Resolution, By R. Smith
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO HONOR THE LATE MIKE DWYER DUNCAN OF AIKEN COUNTY, WHO
 SERVED HIS COUNTRY WELL DURING WORLD WAR II AND WHOSE WORDS PENNED FIFTY-TWO
 YEARS AGO AS A YOUNG MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY REMIND US OF THE COURAGE
 OF OUR VETERANS AND THE BATTLES WHICH CONTINUE TO FACE OUR YOUTH.

   05/27/98  House  Introduced and adopted HJ-12

A HOUSE RESOLUTION

TO HONOR THE LATE MIKE DWYER DUNCAN OF AIKEN COUNTY, WHO SERVED HIS COUNTRY WELL DURING WORLD WAR II AND WHOSE WORDS PENNED FIFTY-TWO YEARS AGO AS A YOUNG MEMBER OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY REMIND US OF THE COURAGE OF OUR VETERANS AND THE BATTLES WHICH CONTINUE TO FACE OUR YOUTH.

Whereas, Mike Dwyer Duncan of Aiken County died May 21, 1998; and

Whereas, at his graveside services on Memorial Day weekend, May 24, 1998, his cousin, the Honorable Roland Smith, was privileged to read the following words, written by an eighteen-year-old Mike Duncan, serving his United States Navy on May 15, 1946:

I am a citizen in this great land,

A place of democracy, for which I stand.

I have no fear when I lie down at night,

That someone will come and I must fight.

Wars have been fought and citizens have died.

Times have changed and sides exchanged with sides.

But I as a man stand free and serve

With the knowledge that my government and my God are with me for sure.

I travel the high roads and cities so great

And fully understand this I can never forsake.

Americans have fought and died that free I might be.

Nothing other than my God could be dearer to me.

I stand alone in the time of my life

And wonder what is ahead in a world of strife.

Yes! A member of a fast-growing generation

That's after anything that's like sensation.

Most of us live from day to day,

Not caring what our parents or others say.

Are we right or wrong, we never consider;

We drive it, walk it, fight it, or float it hither.

Our fathers say, "Stand and be a man!"

And we ask, "Why? What are we to gain?"

Where are we headed? Where are we going?

How will we return? What will we be doing?

I for one will not be a part of the crowd.

I owe my country, my state, and my flag.

I will stand erect as our flag passes by

And thank God I am a free man with a grateful sight.

I am just a youth, no better or worse.

I pray God to be a man, placing my God, my flag, and my parents first.

Whereas, as we celebrate Memorial Day and despair for our contemporary youth, it is reassuring to reflect on the heartfelt words of a good boy who grew into a good man. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives honor the late Mike Dwyer Duncan of Aiken County, who served his country well during World War II and whose words penned fifty-two years ago as a young member of the United States Navy remind us of the courage of our veterans and the battles which continue to face our youth.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Michael Dwyer Duncan.