Harry Reid: “Ira Somers was my neighbor and friend when I had my house in McLean, VA. I found Ira to be not only a mental giant but…”

“Ira Somers was my neighbor and friend when I had my house in McLean, VA. I found Ira to be not only a mental giant but also a spiritual great as well. I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record a poem written by Ira Somers that loudly outlines Americans' thoughts on the events of September 11, 2001. The Day of Nine-One-One This began as a quiet day Lives were normal in every way. The sun arose with fullest light And moved the shadows of the night. But this was not to last for long, Two big giants tall and strong Which seemed to stand for what is good Were struck by evil where they stood. `Twas on the day of nine-one-one That they were lost to everyone. There they were, and now they're not, And where they stood's a gruesome spot. How could these giants of our day Be brought to naught in such a way, To leave this mass of jumbled parts Which tear with grief at all our hearts? We sensed the feelings of despair In those who walked most every where To find the ones that they had lost And bring them back at any cost. We were moved by the kindly deed Of those who toiled for other's needs, And the many hours they have spent Clearing rubble from this event. A vicious crash at the Pentagon Tore at the souls of every one, And reports of heroes in the air Touched hearts of people everywhere.…”