In one of those ‘since you previously purchased history books, you might be interested in these….’ emails from Amazon.com, there was a book that will be released this week titled Defiant: The POWs Who Endured Vietnam’s Most Infamous Prison, the Women Who Fought for Them, and the One Who Never Returned. This brought to mind Admiral William Lawrence, a U.S. Navy aviator who spent years as a Prisoner of War during the Vietnam War. While a prisoner in the infamous ‘Hanoi Hilton’, he “wrote” (under the harsh conditions, he was not allowed writing instruments and composed the poem in his memory) a poem that became the official Tennessee State Poem in 1973. I am always inspired by Admiral Lawrence’s service, courage and love of his (and my) native land, Tennessee. The poem is committed to my memory, but I would like to share it here for those who may not be familiar with Tennessee’s Official State Poem.
Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee
by Admiral William Lawrence
Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee
What Love and Pride I Feel for Thee.
You Proud Ole State, the Volunteer,
Your Proud Traditions I Hold Dear.
I Revere Your Heroes
Who Bravely Fought our Country’s Foes.
Renowned Statesmen, so Wise and Strong,
Who Served our Country Well and Long.
I Thrill at Thought of Mountains Grand;
Rolling Green Hills and Fertile Farm Land;
Earth Rich with Stone, Mineral and Ore;
Forests Dense and Wild Flowers Galore;
Powerful Rivers that Bring us Light;
Deep Lakes with Fish and Fowl in Flight;
Thriving Cities and Industries;
Fine Schools and Universities;
Strong Folks of Pioneer Descent,
Simple, Honest, and Reverent.
Beauty and Hospitality
Are the Hallmarks of Tennessee.
And O’er the World as I May Roam,
No Place Exceeds my Boyhood Home.
And Oh How Much I Long to See
My Native Land, My Tennessee.
