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Three weeks ago, we
were shocked and saddened by the senseless and tragic act of war against
the United States by the forces of terror. The enemies of freedom struck
at the heart of our democracy, bringing down buildings, taking lives,
and shattering families. But as President Bush said in addressing the
nation, our enemies have underestimated the character of the American
people. They may be able to bring down a steel building, but they will
not bring down the steely resolve of the American people to stand for
justice and liberty. We are a great people and a great nation. We have
overcome darkness before, defeating the twin evils of fascism and communism
that haunted the twentieth century. We will do so again. In responding
to this tragedy, none of us is a Republican or a Democrat. We are all
Americans. We rally behind our President and we pray for and comfort those
who have lost loved ones. We will support our President and government
as our nation prepares to hunt down and punish those responsible for these
crimes against humanity. As President Bush stated recently, "These crimes
are acts of war and the United States should act accordingly."
We are blessed to have a President and a
national security team that is among the most distinguished and experienced
in modern times. This is the national security team that helped win the
Cold War and the Persian Gulf War. Our men and women in uniform constitute
the finest fighting force in the world. President Bush sent a very clear
message: "The United States of America will use all our resources to conquer
this enemy. We will rally the world. We will be patient, we will be focused,
and we will be steadfast in our determination. This battle will take time
to resolve. But make no mistake about it, we will win."
Today we are a nation united. Regardless
of race or religion, we join together to offer our prayers for all those
we lost and all those who grieve the lost.
While the people of New York and the nation's
Capitol recover, we can help right here in Georgia. The best way for us
to help during this time is by making contributions or giving blood. Monetary
donations can be made by calling the Red Cross at (800) Help-Now, (404)
876-3706, or by visiting the Red Cross Web site at www.redcrossatlanta.org.
Krogers are accepting cash and check donations. Please make checks payable
to the Red Cross. Your checks can be dropped off at any cash register
in the store. Also, all 6 Simon Mall locations in metro Atlanta are taking
donations: including Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, Northlake Mall and Town
Center at Cobb.
May God bless you and may God bless America.
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Recently,
I was named Firefighter of the Year for Cherokee County. I am honored
to have been chosen, and I am proud to represent the thousands of firefighters
all over the country and world.
Firefighters go to work everyday across this
great nation and provide an invaluable service to the American people.
During the recent events, what firefighters
do has come front and center. However, what people have to understand
is that firefighters do this each and everyday they go to work. Our primary
job is to save lives and protect property. At times, we do this without
regard to our own safety.
Unfortunately, the firefighters and the public
safety family have suffered a tremendous loss. We have lost many of our
brother and sister firefighters during the recent attacks. What these
firefighters were doing was their job. All firefighters know and accept
that when they go to work it might be their last tour of duty. When we
leave for work in the morning we give an extra hug and a kiss to our sons,
daughters, wives and loved ones, because we know there is a chance that
we might not come home.
We will always remember all of our fallen
heroes and their families. They have given the greatest sacrifice to the
people of this great nation. I am proud to be a member of the Cherokee
County Fire and EMA and even more proud to be an American.
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