Operation Salute, Pennsylvania's "thank you" to members of the Pennsylvania National Guard who have served, and continue to serve, the commonwealth and the nation, was held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Bryce Jordan Center. More than 20,000 troops and their families attended the daylong event, which featured a huge tailgate for the troops and their families, a formal ceremony and musical entertainment. Penn State President Graham B. Spanier was among the invited speakers, who also included Gov. Ed Rendell, at the military ceremony held early in the afternoon. For more about the event, check http://live.psu.edu/story/19387 and for photos, check http://live.psu.edu/still_life/2006_09_10_guard/ online. Spanier's remarks at the event follow:
Graham B. Spanier's Remarks
Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006
Good afternoon and welcome to Penn State.
I am privileged to be part of this celebration honoring the men and women of the Pennsylvania National Guard and their families. Penn State is thrilled to be the host site for this memorable recognition of our servicemen and women. Since its founding, our University has been committed to preparing and supporting U.S. Armed Forces through military training and through national defense research.
This event provides me with the opportunity to express on behalf of the Penn State community my deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment, courage, determination and sacrifice in protecting our nation and in serving Pennsylvania. We are proud of the hundreds of Penn State students and employees who have been called to duty, and we work hard to make their transitions from and to college easier. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 672 Penn State students and employees in all branches of the armed services have been deployed for duty.
To those of you who wear our nation's uniform, we owe you much.
As citizen-soldiers, you respond unselfishly to the needs of our communities on a minute's notice -- whether it be to save residents from rising floodwaters, transport food and medical supplies, assist the Pennsylvania State Police, or rescue someone in harm's way. Guard members are the backbone of our state's ability to respond to disasters.
And let us not forget the essential and significant role the Guard plays in preserving our national security and responding to global crisis. Our nation's reliance on the Guard is unprecedented. Today, more than 19,000 men and women serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard. In doing what our nation has asked, you have proven yourselves to be an invaluable resource.
We must never forget the sacrifices that so many have made to allow us to live freely, and we must continue to promote peace so that your efforts will not be in vain.
Education of our future leaders is one way Penn State is contributing to the strength and stability of our nation.
I firmly believe in introducing future generations to international experiences, teaching them about various cultures, and educating them to be global leaders.
The Pennsylvania National Guard has earned a reputation as one of the best outfits in the nation. It is a well-deserved title and testimony to the character and values for which Pennsylvanians are so well known: hard work, honesty, integrity and dedication to a cause.
Despite having the difficult challenge of balancing military duty with civilian employment, family life or school, you have given priority to our nation's needs ... and for that we thank you.
I wish to express my gratitude, as well, to the families and loved ones of the men and women who serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard. You also aid our country through your support and service, and you have our earnest appreciation.
On behalf of our entire University community and all Pennsylvanians, I thank you for your dedication, your valor, your unwavering commitment to freedom, and your love of country and your fellow man. You bring honor to the uniform and honor to Pennsylvania, and we are immensely proud of your service in The Pennsylvania National Guard.