Louisiana State Judicial Poem

"America, We The People"

Written by Sylvia Davidson Lott Buckley

Adopted in 1995

Official state judicial poem, written by Sylvia Davidson Lott Buckley, and entitled, "America, We The People" was adopted in 1995.

Louisiana State Judicial Poem:
"America, We The People"

"America, We The People"

America
We the people
Justice, the word most sought by all, seek God to bless the courts with truth, for through His wisdom we rise or fall.
America
We the people
Do honor this great lady fair, who with her mighty arms still holds, the scales of Justice for all to share.
America
We the people
Do offer threads of hope to all, for Justice covers everyone; she does not measure, short or tall.
America
We the people
Boldly make this pledge to thee, that Justice will, in mind and heart, guide each destiny.
America
We............the...........people."

Origin of Poem: "America, We The People"

Sen. John B. Breaux

Mr. President, I commend Mrs. Sylvia Davidson Lott Buckley, Louisiana State poet laureate, for achieving the distinction of writing the only poem recognized by the State of Louisiana.

Mrs. Buckley was inspired to write the poem, ``America, We the People,'' when she received a stick pin from her grandson, Hue Lott, inscribed with the words, ``We the people.'' Reflecting on the fact that justice is a most important word that all the rest of our government rests on, and that citizens are demanding freedom and justice for all, she wrote the poem within 25 minutes.

The Louisiana Legislature passed, and the Governor subsequently signed, legislation that makes ``America, We the People,'' the Official State Judicial Poem.

Mr. President, I would like to share Mrs. Buckley's poem with my colleagues and other readers of the Congressional Record. I ask that this poem be printed in the Record.

Louisiana Law

The law designating the official state judicial poem is found in the Louisiana Statutes, Title 49, Section RS 49:155.4

TITLE 49 - State administration
RS 49:155.4 - State judicial poem

Universal Citation: LA Rev Stat § 49:155.4

§155.4.  State judicial poem
There shall be an official state judicial poem.  The official state judicial poem, written by Sylvia Davidson Lott Buckley, and entitled, "America, We The People", reading as follows:
"America
We the people
Justice, the word most sought by all, seek God to bless the courts with truth, for through His wisdom we rise or fall.
America
We the people
Do honor this great lady fair, who with her mighty arms still holds, the scales of Justice for all to share.
America
We the people
Do offer threads of hope to all, for Justice covers everyone; she does not measure, short or tall.
America
We the people
Boldly make this pledge to thee, that Justice will, in mind and heart, guide each destiny.
America
We............the...........people."
Acts 1995, No. 392, §1.