December 6, 2009

Thank you for the tremendous honor to be among you today. In front of us, we have freedom’s heroes. It’s because of men and women like these that we enjoy freedom in this country. Thank you for your service.

We are eight years removed from 9-11. As we get further from that fateful day, it is easier for some to forget the terror that occurred on that day.

Many say, we won’t forget but I wonder just how many of us may have thought today about the unannounced military strike against a US naval base in the Pacific Ocean that occurred 68 years ago. Let’s remember those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor and let’s remember 9-11.
Continued acts of cowardice should serve to remind us that we remain under attack from an enemy who chooses to hide behind innocent victims, including those of their own nationality and beliefs. Thank God we have men and women willing to risk their lives to fight this evil. We appreciate your sacrifice.

And, thank you for representing us — and I mean our nation, our state, and our local hometowns — with honor. In this world of new technology, we have seen the many images of heroism of the finest men and women our nation has to offer from our armed services. Our soldiers continue to show the heart and soul of this country.

We have seen the compassion shown to a people who have knew nothing but tyranny and terror before Operation Enduring Freedom….Those people and their children — and the direction they will take in the future — will be forever changed for the better because of your service. You have extended a helping hand to a nation that would otherwise represent a threat to the peace and stability — and that, in turn, affects the safety and security of the world.

If not for soldiers like you – our patriotic Tennessee volunteers and ambassadors of freedom – the world would be a dark place. I join millions of your fellow Americans who believe that your service to our nation is nothing short of inspirational.

Today I am humbled and honored to present to Captain Wingo on behalf of Alpha Battery a Tennessee flag flown over our state capitol to go with you on this journey. May it wave proudly as it follows this unit to Iraq and serve to remind you of your Tennessee home and the people of this state who are so proud to call you native sons and daughters.

Thank you for representing our nation, our state, and our hometowns with honor. We are proud of you. But most of all we offer our prayers that we will have you back home safe.

God bless you and may God bless America!

This entry was posted on Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 3:01 pm and is filed under Featured News, Press Releases.
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