On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives when terrorist thugs who had no respect for human life attacked our homeland. That night from the Oval Office, President Bush declared a Global War on Terrorism. As with past conflicts, when the American way of life was threatened the United States Armed Forces answered the call to duty.
Eleven Kentuckians have lost their lives fighting for our way of life during the War on Terrorism in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
They are all heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice, so that you and I can live in a country where democracy prevails. Below are the names of the 11 Kentuckians who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan and Iraq by hostile fire. Please say a prayer for them and the loved ones they left behind.
Michael Dewayne Acklin II, 25, from Louisville.
Gary Brent Coleman, 24, from Pikeville
Nicholas James Dieruf, 21, from Versailles.
Jeffrey Carl Graham, 24, from Elizabethtown.
James William Harlan, 44, from Owensboro
Robert Lewis Henderson II, 33, from Alvaton.
James Thomas Hoffman, 41, from Whitesburg
Darrin Keith Potter, 24, from Louisville.
James Edward Powell, 26, from Radcliffe
George Scott Rentschler, 31, from Louisville.
Justin Andrew Scott, 22, from Bellevue.
I ask my fellow Kentuckians to take time from their long weekend to remember the sacrifices made by these brave men and their loving families. Kentuckians owe a debt of gratitude to these eleven men as well as the thousands of Kentuckians who have died for our country in previous wars to preserve the values and ideals that we all hold deeply.
As the War on Terrorism continues their will undoubtably be more casualties. America must stay the course in our current struggle to bring a true democracy to the Middle East.
We must bring the fight to the terrorists and not let them bring the fight to America's shores.
For over 200 years, America has stood as the beacon of hope for those who are less fortunate. The 11 soldiers who have perished are the light in that beacon. May God bless America and God bless those who sacrificed so much in the name of freedom and democracy.
Post a Comment
