MDAA was honored to represent our membership throughout this country by attending the President of the United States’ remarks on the Global War on Terror at The White House yesterday afternoon.?? Amongst this small group of dignitaries and guests at the intimate East Wing of The White House, were some of the most powerful public officials in the world; Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, CIA Director General Michael Hayden, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, Senator Jeff Sessions and several members of Congress.
Against this setting, President Bush’s opening remarks were all encompassing to the men and women that have toiled for the safety and security of this nation:
“On the morning of September the 11th, 2001, our nation awoke to a nightmare attack … Nearly five years have passed since these — those initial days of shock and sadness — and we are thankful that the terrorists have not succeeded in launching another attack on our soil. This is not for the lack of desire or determination on the part of the enemy. As the recently foiled plot in London shows, the terrorists are still active, and they’re still trying to strike America, and they’re still trying to kill our people. One reason the terrorists have not succeeded is because of the hard work of thousands of dedicated men and women in our government, who have toiled day and night, along with our allies, to stop the enemy from carrying out their plans. And we are grateful for these hardworking citizens of ours.”
Those working in missile defense, both inside and outside of the government, can also take credit for being a part of this team that has kept America safe from a terrorist attack since September 11, 2001. The remarkable achievements that the missile defense community has put in place after September 11, 2001 to defend our nation from ballistic missile attacks with proven and developed capabilities are to be commended and rightfully be included in gratitude and gratefulness by our President.
Whether the public approves or disapproves of President Bush, the endurable fact remains, this country has not been attacked by terrorists since September 11, 2001.
The President concluded his remarks displaying emotion as he stated firmly and with intensity:
“This nation is going to stay on the offensive to protect our country.”
We at MDAA and my previous tenure with the NFL must state with equal conviction that providing a defense for our homeland allows our nation to be on the offensive and reinforces our Commander-in-Chief’s stewardship of our nation.
If they don’t score, they do not win.
