It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy. But this much we do know - no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor. And for what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice - in this world, and the next.These are trying times for our country. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, the same extremists who killed nearly 3,000 Americans continue to endanger America, our allies, and innocent Afghans and Pakistanis. In Iraq, we are working to bring a war to a successful end, as there are still those who would deny the Iraqi people the future that Americans and Iraqis have sacrificed so much for.As we face these challenges, the stories of those at Fort Hood reaffirm the core values that we are fighting for, and the strength that we must draw upon. Theirs are tales of American men and women answering an extraordinary call - the call to serve their comrades, their communities, and their country. In an age of selfishness, they embody responsibility. In an era of division, they call upon us to come together. In a time of cynicism, they remind us of who we are as Americans.We are a nation that endures because of the courage of those who defend it. We saw that valor in those who braved bullets here at Fort Hood, just as surely as we see it in those who signed up knowing that they would serve in harm's way.We are a nation of laws whose commitment to justice is so enduring that we would treat a gunman and give him due process, just as surely as we will see that he pays for his crimesWe are a nation that guarantees the freedom to worship as one chooses. And instead of claiming God for our side, we remember Lincoln's words, and always pray to be on the side of God.
Remarks of
President Barack Obama - As Prepared for Delivery
Memorial Service at
Fort Hood
November 10,
2009
We come together
filled with sorrow for the thirteen Americans that we have lost; with gratitude
for the lives that they led; and with a determination to honor them through the
work we carry on.
This is a time of
war. And yet these Americans did not die on a foreign field of battle. They were
killed here, on American soil, in the heart of this great American community. It
is this fact that makes the tragedy even more painful and even more
incomprehensible.
For those families
who have lost a loved one, no words can fill the void that has been left. We
knew these men and women as soldiers and caregivers. You knew them as mothers
and fathers; sons and daughters; sisters and brothers.
But here is what
you must also know: your loved ones endure through the life of our nation. Their
memory will be honored in the places they lived and by the people they touched.
Their life's work is our security, and the freedom that we too often take for
granted. Every evening that the sun sets on a tranquil town; every dawn that a
flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the
pursuit of happiness - that is their legacy.
Neither this
country - nor the values that we were founded upon - could exist without men and
women like these thirteen Americans. And that is why we must pay tribute to
their stories.
Chief Warrant
Officer Michael Cahill had served in the National Guard and worked as a
physician's assistant for decades. A husband and father of three, he was so
committed to his patients that on the day he died, he was back at work just
weeks after having a heart attack.
Major Libardo
Eduardo Caraveo spoke little English when he came to America as a teenager. But
he put himself through college, earned a PhD, and was helping combat units cope
with the stress of deployment. He is survived by his wife, sons and
step-daughters.
Staff Sergeant
Justin DeCrow joined the Army right after high school, married his high school
sweetheart, and had served as a light wheeled mechanic and Satellite
Communications Operator. He was known as an optimist, a mentor, and a loving
husband and father.
After retiring from
the Army as a Major, John Gaffaney cared for society's most vulnerable during
two decades as a psychiatric nurse. He spent three years trying to return to
active duty in this time of war, and he was preparing to deploy to Iraq as a
Captain. He leaves behind a wife and son.
Specialist
Frederick Greene was a Tennessean who wanted to join the Army for a long time,
and did so in 2008 with the support of his family. As a combat engineer he was a
natural leader, and he is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Specialist Jason
Hunt was also recently married, with three children to care for. He joined the
Army after high school. He did a tour in Iraq, and it was there that he
re-enlisted for six more years on his 21st birthday so that he could
continue to serve.
Staff Sergeant Amy
Krueger was an athlete in high school, joined the Army shortly after 9/11, and
had since returned home to speak to students about her experience. When her
mother told her she couldn't take on Osama bin Laden by herself, Amy replied:
"Watch me."
Private First Class
Aaron Nemelka was an Eagle Scout who just recently signed up to do one of the
most dangerous jobs in the service - diffuse bombs - so that he could help save
lives. He was proudly carrying on a tradition of military service that runs deep
within his family.
Private First Class
Michael Pearson loved his family and loved his music, and his goal was to be a
music teacher. He excelled at playing the guitar, and could create songs on the
spot and show others how to play. He joined the military a year ago, and was
preparing for his first deployment.
Captain Russell
Seager worked as a nurse for the VA, helping veterans with Post-Traumatic
Stress. He had great respect for the military, and signed up to serve so that he
could help soldiers cope with the stress of combat and return to civilian life.
He leaves behind a wife and son.
Private Francheska
Velez, the daughter of a father from Colombia and a Puerto Rican mother, had
recently served in Korea and in Iraq, and was pursuing a career in the Army.
When she was killed, she was pregnant with her first child, and was excited
about becoming a mother.
Lieutenant Colonel
Juanita Warman was the daughter and granddaughter of Army veterans. She was a
single mother who put herself through college and graduate school, and served as
a nurse practitioner while raising her two daughters. She also left behind a
loving husband.
Private First Class
Kham Xiong came to America from Thailand as a small child. He was a husband and
father who followed his brother into the military because his family had a
strong history of service. He was preparing for his first deployment to
Afghanistan.
These men and women
came from all parts of the country. Some had long careers in the military. Some
had signed up to serve in the shadow of 9/11. Some had known intense combat in
Iraq and Afghanistan, and some cared for those did. Their lives speak to the
strength, the dignity and the decency of those who serve, and that is how they
will be remembered.
That same spirit is
embodied in the community here at Fort Hood, and in the many wounded who are
still recovering. In those terrible minutes during the attack, soldiers made
makeshift tourniquets out of their clothes. They braved gunfire to reach the
wounded, and ferried them to safety in the backs of cars and a pick-up truck.
One young soldier,
Amber Bahr, was so intent on helping others that she did not realize for some
time that she, herself, had been shot in the back. Two police officers - Mark
Todd and Kim Munley - saved countless lives by risking their own. One medic -
Francisco de la Serna - treated both Officer Munley and the gunman who shot her.
It may be hard to
comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy. But this much we do know
- no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God
looks upon them with favor. And for what he has done, we know that the killer
will be met with justice - in this world, and the next.
These are trying
times for our country. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, the same extremists who
killed nearly 3,000 Americans continue to endanger America, our allies, and
innocent Afghans and Pakistanis. In Iraq, we are working to bring a war to a
successful end, as there are still those who would deny the Iraqi people the
future that Americans and Iraqis have sacrificed so much
for.
As we face these
challenges, the stories of those at Fort Hood reaffirm the core values that we
are fighting for, and the strength that we must draw upon. Theirs are tales of
American men and women answering an extraordinary call - the call to serve their
comrades, their communities, and their country. In an age of selfishness, they
embody responsibility. In an era of division, they call upon us to come
together. In a time of cynicism, they remind us of who we are as Americans.
We are a nation
that endures because of the courage of those who defend it. We saw that valor in
those who braved bullets here at Fort Hood, just as surely as we see it in those
who signed up knowing that they would serve in harm's way.
We are a nation of
laws whose commitment to justice is so enduring that we would treat a gunman and
give him due process, just as surely as we will see that he pays for his crimes.
We are a nation
that guarantees the freedom to worship as one chooses. And instead of claiming
God for our side, we remember Lincoln's words, and always pray to be on the side
of God.
We are a nation
that is dedicated to the proposition that all men and women are created equal.
We live that truth within our military, and see it in the varied backgrounds of
those we lay to rest today. We defend that truth at home and abroad, and we know
that Americans will always be found on the side of liberty and equality. That is
who we are as a people.
Tomorrow is
Veterans Day. It is a chance to pause, and to pay tribute - for students to
learn of the struggles that preceded them; for families to honor the service of
parents and grandparents; for citizens to reflect upon the sacrifices that have
been made in pursuit of a more perfect union.
For history is
filled with heroes. You may remember the stories of a grandfather who marched
across Europe; an uncle who fought in Vietnam; a sister who served in the Gulf.
But as we honor the many generations who have served, I think all of us - every
single American - must acknowledge that this generation has more than proved
itself the equal of those who have come before.
We need not look to
the past for greatness, because it is before our very eyes.
This generation of
soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have volunteered in a
time of certain danger. They are part of the finest fighting force that the
world has ever known. They have served tour after tour of duty in distant,
different and difficult places. They have stood watch in blinding deserts and on
snowy mountains. They have extended the opportunity of self-government to
peoples that have suffered tyranny and war. They are man and woman; white,
black, and brown; of all faiths and stations - all Americans, serving together
to protect our people, while giving others half a world away the chance to lead
a better life.
In today's wars,
there is not always a simple ceremony that signals our troops' success - no
surrender papers to be signed, or capital to be claimed. But the measure of
their impact is no less great - in a world of threats that no know borders, it
will be marked in the safety of our cities and towns, and the security and
opportunity that is extended abroad. And it will serve as testimony to the
character of those who serve, and the example that you set for America and for
the world.
Here, at Fort Hood,
we pay tribute to thirteen men and women who were not able to escape the horror
of war, even in the comfort of home. Later today, at Fort Lewis, one community
will gather to remember so many in one Stryker Brigade who have fallen in
Afghanistan.
Long after they are
laid to rest - when the fighting has finished, and our nation has endured; when
today's servicemen and women are veterans, and their children have grown - it
will be said of this generation that they believed under the most trying of
tests; that they persevered not just when it was easy, but when it was hard; and
that they paid the price and bore the burden to secure this nation, and stood up
for the values that live in the hearts of all free peoples.
So we say goodbye
to those who now belong to eternity. We press ahead in pursuit of the peace that
guided their service. May God bless the memory of those we lost. And may God
bless the United States of America.
I guarantee: they'll be teaching this one in rhetoric classes. It was that good. My gloss won't do it justice. Yes, I'm having a Chris Matthews-chill-running-up-my-leg moment, but sometimes, the man, the moment and the words come together and meet the challenge.
Is that you, Rocco?
Seriously, Ambinder, this is way too much. I want to puke reading this. And do you even know what "elegiac" means, by the way?
The problem with political discussions these days is no one can give the other side credit for a job well done. This is a wonderful speech at a time and place where a moving, inspiring oratory was needed. We have spent the last 8 years of "speechifying" in the desert and it's get to get out in the rain. Regardless of politics, it is refreshing to hear a man deliver words with the proper emphasis and pronunciation. Let's lay down our sabers on this day and remember those who serve, we owe it to them.
If you had bothered to read my commment, you would have found that it was not about the speech, which was very good by Obama standards (for instance, he didn't mention himself.) It was about Ambinders silly, fawning assessment of it. It reminded me of the OTT reaction to the Philadelphia speech he was compelled to deliver when it became undeniable that his Pastor was a lunatic. The Greatest Speech since Gettysburgh!, we were told by his journalistic fans. Of course, nobody can quote a single line from that speech today without resorting to google, and the only thing at all memorable was that thing about Grandma.
mesquito66,
On one day, this day, of all days: give it a reast. When we recall all those young men sent to war, and if the they came back, bore their wounds to the grave. Your words are mean-spirited and small minded. If you want to "puke" over a few sentences that recognize fellow human beings who were truly innocents, you are missing the nature of life and its vagaries.
Your words bring shame and ignorance upon you.
I was talking about Ambinder's silly assessment of Our President's speech, numbskull.
The president gives a speech, someone likes it a lot, that liking it a lot makes you want to "puke" -- and someone else telling you to maybe give your anger a rest prompts you into name-calling.
The president did well. The soldiers did well. I'm proud of both. It's a good country. This occasion seems like a good one to set aside anger and paranoia.
It was an exceptional speech.
When the President speaks, his words should cause a straightening of the spine, not a tingle up the leg. By that criterion, I would say that though this is not the greatest speech ever given, it is a refreshing change from the Apology Tour.
It almost gives hope that he's proud of America for more than just electing him. I remain an Obama skeptic, but it is nice to hear him characterize us as the good guys, I'll give him that.Should it straighten the spine or gird the loins? Perhaps steady the eye, calm the nerves, gather the resolve, steel the blood.... I mean if you're going to be jingoistic I think its terribly terribly important to be accurately jingoistic
Since this was a pause to reflect and not a call to action, the appropriate physical manifestation of jingoism is to straighten the spine, standing taller in one's pride to be an American.
A very moving speech by President Obama.
My word Ambinder, have you been chugging the koolaid or sniffing the glue? Or both?
Just take one example: "...there are still those who would deny the Iraqi people the future that Americans and Iraqis have sacrificed so much for."
Among "those" would be Obama himself, who tried to cut off funds for our troops in the field, and opposed the Surge. Is he distancing himself from his antiwar companions here? Or just spouting flowery words to cover his own shortsightedness? Perhaps while he is enrapturing the gullible (that would be you), he might apologize for slamming our troops for "just killing civilians".
gbarto, the so-called "Apology Tour" is something that exists only the sick, diseased mind of Sean Hannity. This president has ENORMOUSLY boosted the esteem in which the world's people hold America, and President Obama has ALWAYS characterized us as the good guys.
DaMav, when you are ready to apologize for Bush and Cheney and the unnecessary deaths of 150,000 Iraqis and 4500 of our finest young people, you let us know, OK? Don't pose as some kind of heroic defender of the troops. You pro-Iraq war fanatics are the ones that put them in harm's way for a pack of lies. I've known several heroic young men who have either already served there or are serving there still. I don't need any lectures from the like of you.
BTW, DaMav, how are those WMDs working out for you, buddy
Is there any point in distinguishing between right-wing commentators? They all read from the same script anyway. Dithering! Dithering!
That's funny...
Ah. I get your schtick! Funny stuff.
My observation of obama is that he never tells the citizens of our great country what he is really thinking or planning. It appears to me that he only mouths the things he wants people to believe not withstanding the fact that the truth is absent from many of the things that he mouths, regardless of how well he speaks in public, OR CATERS TO WHATEVER AUDIENCE HE IS APPEARING BEFORE.
So you think the President of the United Stated, for the FIRST TIME in our country's history, should tell everyone in the world what he's thinking of planning? Unless you know this guy personally, how would you know that?
Truly barf inducing drivel.
A trivial note, but this: "diffuse bombs" should be, obviously, "defuse bombs."
Wow. My mistake. I thought the point of the exercise was to honor the 13 murdered soldiers. I forgot that everything is about Obama. Sorry.
this will be available on "white house speeches" on iTunes in a day or two; pretty much all of his other speeches are there as well
Meh. Maybe I should track down the video, as I'm underwhelmed by the text. It's not bad -- has Obama ever given a bad speech? -- but based on the text alone I wouldn't even put it in his top 5.
13 Americans murdered by a terrorist on our own soil, and all Mr. Ambinder can think to write about is his crush on Barack Obama's reading skills. Ambinder's parents must be so proud.
Gee...as a normal human being, President Obama couldn't possibly REALLY feel any grief for these brave soldiers, could he? It's all just a speech right?
What the hell is wrong with you people?
This is sarcasm, right? I mean, what a cliche-ridden insult to the soldiers he refused to protect. Maybe he should have given them a "shout-out". If he wanted to honor them, he'd admit his failure at protecting Americans from Muslim killers.
This article was ghost written by Scott Ott, right?
Superb speech
could somebody take that jerk 'mesquito66' off the top of the comments - he is making most readers angry I suspect
It was a good speech and a nice tribute to those who died and those who continue to serve but his speech on race during the campaign was better, IMO. And yeah, you are coming across a bit like a teenage school girl with a crush, tone it down a bit...
for those criticizing Ambers for focusing on the speech and Obama and not the dead, relax and calm down, your making a scene. It's equally important to consider how the President reacts to national tragedies as much as it is to remember and honor those who have perished. There's was as much if not more focus on Bush's comments at Ground Zero when he spoke to the gathered rescue workers and it was appropriate back then to do so as it is today.
docfixit...seriously, grow up. If you want to play this game then let me know when Bush and Cheney et al will admit their failure for letting 3000+ Americans die on 9/11, take responsibility for a lie that led to another 4500 dying and for abandoning the effort in Afghanistan where another almost 800 have perished. This isn't high school so could we please try acting like adults...
You are SO dead on RlRedinPA!
I agree - moving, masterful speech. I would just like to add to those figures - more than 4500 American troops have died in Iraq, but don't forget 300+ dead from our "willing" friends, who are only there because we asked them to be. add to that more than 1400 contractors (230+ were Americans).
And the toll for Afghanistan is above 1400 if you count all those we invited to come with us. Let's not forget those numbers. I served in both countries and benefited from the efforts, skills, and sacrifices of those allied troops and those contractors. We should remember all those who came to the sound of the guns, especially since we called them forward.
Semper Fi,
PatricktheRogue
Did the White House's text really say "diffuse bombs"? Not "defuse"? I guess I really am turning into a middle-aged crank, grousing about how kids these days can't spell.
It seems that we have nothing but a slobbering group of journalist in this country. They all write like a group of adolescence who are still campaigning and voting for their "hero". I am sure this article could have been written without quoting such people as Chuck Todd who continually slobbers over the President.
The speech had substance and was well delivered a expected. My only problem with Mr. Obama is that he hides his weaknesses behind his glowing rhetoric and when we see a glimpse of his weakness, we are all dumb-founded.
I would have hoped by now that we would have gotten over the "god-syndrome", but I see from our journalist, we are still watching sophomores write our news.
Each time I read swoony words about one of Obama's "greatest speeches evah", I'm reminded that we've elected not a president, not a leader, but a great motivational speaker. Really, Tony Robbins has nothing on Obama.
Obama's words are touching and may even lead some to believe that he actually gives a damn about the lives of our soldiers - unless they take a look at his actions. Dahr Jamail and Sarah Lazare recently reported at TomDispatch on how the military and the Commander In Chief, in order to comply with the number of troops ordered to fight these unnecessary wars, are sending soldiers with known illnesses and/or injuries such as PTSD and TBI (traumatic brain injury) to Iraq and Afghanistan. So spare me any moony-eyed words of praise for a president who delivers teleprompter speeches in lieu of taking action to protect the lives of our soldiers. As the adage goes, talk is cheap.
The word that comes to mind is 'Churchillian'. Just as WSC pulled Britain through its darkest hour with inspired oratory, Obama has that same gift. Words, used as the president did at Fort Hood, have the power to uplift spirits - and to move mountains.
My observation of obama is that he never tells the citizens of our great country what he is really thinking or planning. It appears to me that he only mouths the things he wants people to believe not withstanding the fact that the truth is absent from many of the things that he mouths, regardless of how well he speaks in public.
My observation of obama is that he never tells the citizens of our great country what he is really thinking or planning. It appears to me that he only mouths the things he wants people to believe not withstanding the fact that the truth is absent from many of the things that he mouths, regardless of how well he speaks in public.
Good speech - now let's see how many more troops he sends to Afghanistan! He has wasted 2 months hesitating already and by hesitating has contributed to the deaths.
A great speech, but more Lincolnian (as probably intended) than Churchillian.
I don't know whether it was yours or the White House's proofreader that was asleep, but please fix these errors:
- "diffuse bombs" should be "defuse bombs"
- "no know borders" should be "know no borders"
I saw it on tv. It was a good speech but like so many of Obama's 'great' speeches, a day later, I don't remember a word of it.
I think the thing that has to asked is how much lasting effect (beyond bloggers and newpaper editors swooning) any of these speeches has. I don't see much evidence that any of his speeches has had much permanent effect. Obama seems to think that he can just parachute into any situation, give a speech and leave and things will just magically be all better. Frankly, I'm beginning to tire of it. As the old adage goes - 'actions speak louder than words'.
The Gettysburg address was panned by the critics back then after it was delivered. I'm not comparing here but a good or great speech will only be determined as such when it stands the test of time and twenty or so years from now some high school kid can pull a quote from it off the top of their head ("I have a dream", "The only thing we have to fear..." "Ask not what your country..." and so on...) and historians can look back through the clouds of history and see if the words uttered at time had some profound effect on the nation and/or world.
In that sense, as good as this speech maybe and as callous as it is to say it just a few days out from the tragedy few other than family and friends will remember the deceased or this event, it is just another episode in a long line of them in this country of an unhinged person doing unspeakable things.
Obama's speech on race, given in the fall of last year, however, may pass the muster of time and history and be seen as something pivotal and definitive in the experiment that is America.
Really excellent speech. And, I think, a very moving way to recognize the service and bravery of all the victims. However, one small, wiggling, little problem: "We are a nation that is dedicated to the proposition that all men and women are created equal. We live that truth within our military..." And what, pray tell, about "Don't ask, don't tell"? I agree with many of the other posters on here, it is wonderful to have a president who can speak beautifully and make that little lump in your throat well up, but wouldn't it be nice if we could get to that next step and actually have those words matter? Lincoln's Gettysburg Address mattered because there was a moral right and a moral force behind it, that's why it was remembered. If President Obama keeps giving lip-service to those who elected him, from the poor who see the rich taking massive bonuses practically out of the government coffers to gays who just want to serve their country to women who wanted a guaranteed right to choose to the sick who wanted what every other advanced nation guarantees and to those who just want peace and the end to American sponsored torture, and not producing results, then how is he any better than former President Bush? Where is the change?
JMiller - This president has ENORMOUSLY boosted the esteem in which the world's people hold America, and President Obama has ALWAYS characterized us as the good guys.
And this has profited us - how? For example, when we send more soldiers into Afghanistan (and we will) - how many of them will be matched with ones from Europe?
I see comments from the left gushing about Obama and the ones from the right trashing him. A few years back it would have been the left trashing Bush and the right gushing. It's getting annoying.
So how's this for an idea, or call it a challenge. How about a few liberals try saying something good about the Bush years for a change. Only after we correct our trashing of the previous president can we complain about the right's behavior today.
I'll even start:
I'm sorry for all the things I said about the President's speaking ability. With a liberal, I hear the message, with Bush I often made fun of the "bushisms" instead of arguing the point.
The surge was brilliant. It worked. (I hate to admit that I was completely wrong on that one, but honestly, I was).
The money to fight AIDS in Africa shows true leadership.
G. W. Bush is actually an unsung hero for his persistence, for never compromising, and for being surprisingly effective in his opposition to trafficing women as sex slaves. I find it odd that he gets absolutely no credit for this, from the left or right. (Maybe the issue isn't controversial enough, the pro-women's-sex-slave lobby is putting up much of a fight).
...And ian, you're absolutly right, but I would argue that taking the moral high ground will work to our advantage in the long run, not in the first year of a presidency.
I'm a social/fiscal conservative; I voted against Obama; and I voted for W...twice.
This was a great speech. The speech writers crafted a wonderful tribute, and Pres. Obama chose to give this speech. He could have tried to change the message, but he didn't. We all know he's an exceptional speaker, and these families heard words that honored their fallen, celebrated who we are as Americans, and gave comfort.
He makes a very good ceremonial Head of State...unfortunately, that's not his only job.
"no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts"
Umm...except Islam.
Perfectly adequate. A bit dispassionate, but love him or hate him, that's who Obama is. But a GREAT speech? It falls woefully short of Reagan's or Kennedy's best. Heck, Bush's best speeches were better than this. I mean, what does it SAY? Killing people is bad; the people who died were good; don't blame Islam; but also don't claim God would approve. Which is just what it should have been. This was not a time for a pep talk or a policy statement. This was not supposed to be about Obama and his objectives. It was about 13 men and women who died tragically and senselessly. It was appropriately personal, specific, and dignified. But a "Great speech"? Hardly.
Good speech -- better than the one where Obama said something like "I can no more disown Rev. Wright than I can my own grandmother."
About 4 months before disowning Rev. Wright, for repeating the anti-Americanism that Veteran Rev. Wright has believed and preached for 20 years of sermons.
Great speeches are also true about the future, when that future becomes the past.
Obama has NEVER given a great speech -- because his actions and policies contradict the great sentiments he so eloquently articulates.
DRB -- I don't think this is the time for Tea Party Republicans/ Independents/ Libertarians to try to have political peace with the Dem Party, and with the elites (of both parties) who want to run the lives of taxpayers. Yeah, it would be nice to judge W. Bush more honestly than ObamaDems have done in the past, especially in how Tax Cuts were so good at getting the US out of the dot.com bubble crash, but Obama and the Dems need a LOT MORE HONEST criticism.
It got annoying when Bush said good things and Dems trashed him -- but he was more honest and more sincere than Obama, but not as good a speaker.
It's more important that the actions match the sentiments in the words, than that the words are delivered by one able to get lumps by their great delivery of words.