Monday, April 14, 2008

Semper Fi   [Kathryn Jean Lopez]

Joe Lieberman is often worth reading — and always worth reading on the war. I heard about this honor he was given by the fantastic Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation during Rush's show today. (Two of my favorite lines: "to show you how much things have changed for me, one of my greatest missions this year is to convince Rush to support the Republican candidate for President!" and "Rush has a big voice but he has heart that is even bigger."

Here's the full text of his remarks — read what he has to say about Johnny Michael Spann, especially:

Remarks Prepared for Senator Joseph Lieberman

Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation

Semper Fidelis Award

New York, New York

April 10, 2008

I want to thank Jim [Kallstrom, chairman of the foundation] for that introduction and thank the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation for this award that bears the proud Marine Corps motto:

“Semper Fidelis!” Always Faithful.

It is a special honor to be honored along with General Pace, Secretary Baker, and Rush Limbaugh.

As you may know, I was re-elected to the Senate in 2006 as an Independent. People often ask me how being an Independent is different from being a Democrat.

After tonight, I have a new answer.

As an Independent, it doesn’t bother me at all to be honored at the same dinner with Rush Limbaugh.

In fact, to show you how much things have changed for me, one of my greatest missions this year is to convince Rush to support the Republican candidate for President!

The truth is I greatly admire Rush’s love for our country and support for our troops, as shown by his remarks tonight and his generous support of MCLEF. Rush has a big voice but he has heart that is even bigger.

Jim has already told you the story of Johnny Michael Spann, for whom this award is dedicated.

Capt. Spann is part of a long line of American patriots that reaches back centuries and stretches across continents – a fellowship of American heroes who have fought for our country from the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Iraq, from Korea to Vietnam, from the beaches of Europe to the islands of the Pacific, from Gettysburg and Antietam back to Colonial Massachusetts to those brave Minutemen who stood their ground on the green at Lexington and the North Bridge at Concord.

Throughout our history these brave Americans have fought against different enemies and on different battlefields but always under one banner – the banner of freedom. And we and our country have benefited from their service.

Many gave their lives in this cause and – like Capt. Spann – left families behind who now deserve the help of a grateful nation.

And that’s why, as much as I appreciate the award I’m being given tonight, I’m even more proud to be here in support of the work of the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation.

Tonight’s dinner will raise at least $4 million to help the children of those who have fallen in battle with bonds worth $40,000 at maturation that they can use to further their educations.

While there is not enough treasure in the world to fully honor those who have given their lives for the cause of freedom, supporting the children of these fallen warriors and law enforcers is to support the very people they most fought and died for.

Our brave men and women in uniform stand ready to fight with the courage of their convictions for convictions worthy of their courage – the cause of liberty and the belief that the freedom we enjoy is a gift from God that must be defended and expanded by each generation in its time.

As they perform their duties, we have ours to perform as well.

While they fight under a motto like, Semper Fidelis – Forever Faithful – we must honor them with our own eternal motto – Semper Memor – Forever Grateful.

So Sempor Memor, Capt. Spann. Sempor Memor.

I thank the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation for this award, and I thank all of you for the generous donations you made to make tonight a success and to help so many families who have sacrificed so much for our nation. I promise you that in accepting this award I will do my best to be Semper Fidelis to the cause of freedom, which is America’s cause, and to the American military and their families who make America’s cause their own.

04/14 04:59 PMShare