U.S. Navy
EA-6B Pilot
|
In Memory Of...
Commander (Sel.) Russell J. "Gator"
Gates
9/24/1963 - 10/12/2000
|
Purdue Univ.
AAE '85
|
High Flight
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of
earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silver wings;
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling
mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared
and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there
I've chased the shouting wind along and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy
grace,
where never lark, or even eagle flew;
and while, with silent, lifting mind I've
trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God
John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Goodbye, good friend.
Our world is now darker,
Our nation less secure,
Our hearts heavier,
Our smiles dimmer,
Our laughter muted.
Thank you for your friendship,
...your service,
...your kindheartedness,
...your example.
You will be sorely missed.
Page developed by Mark D. Sensmeier
8/28/2001 |
