H*5192 Session 112 (1997-1998)
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:
A Citizen
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.
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