STATE COLLEGE–(PRNewswire) — Governor Edward G. Rendell today said that since Sept. 11, 2001, Pennsylvania’s 20,000 National Guard
members have stepped up to ensure the nation’s safety, while responding to daunting natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and the floods that
affected eastern Pennsylvania this summer.
“We have come to count on the Pennsylvania National Guard to defend our commonwealth and country and you have never let us down,” said Governor Rendell while speaking before Guard members, their families and guests at Operation Salute in State College. “For more than 250 years, and particularly since Sept. 11, you have answered the call to duty without hesitation.
“You’ve kissed your families goodbye to serve your country, traveled around the globe to protect our freedom and security, and responded to natural disasters at a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, your families have hung yellow ribbons and prayed for your safe return. Today, we say thank you. Thank you for your courage and your sacrifices.”
Since the Sept. 11 attacks, more than 16,000 Pennsylvania National Guard members have been deployed in support of the global war on terrorism. Twenty-five PA Guard members have been killed in action, while nine died on duty (non-hostile) and 287 have been wounded.
“While we mark this occasion with joy, we also temper it with sadness as we recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Governor Rendell. “This is our chance to show Pennsylvania National Guard members how important they are in the lives of all of the citizens of this commonwealth. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Held at Penn State University’s Bryce Jordan Center, Operation Salute, hosted by Adjutant General Jessica Wright, is the single largest one-day military mobilization in the history of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Governor Rendell proposed the event in February to celebrate, honor and thank the National Guard troops and their families.
A bipartisan group of federal and state officials also attended the program. The event featured a celebration for the troops and their families with food, military displays and entertainment, as well as a formal ceremony.
“Today is a day for reflection, contentment and relaxation,” said Maj. Gen. Wright. “Thanks to the generosity of local and national corporate sponsors as well a legion of volunteers, we have been able to organize this monumental event for Pennsylvania’s Guard members and their families. Since 9/11 Guard members have been uprooted from their lives, their jobs and most importantly, their families. Operation Salute is an opportunity to recognize these sacrifices.”
Governor Rendell, Maj. Gen. Wright, Lt. Gen. Ronald Burgess Jr., principal deputy director of national intelligence (acting) and Dr. Graham Spanier, president of Penn State University spoke during the formal ceremony.
“After Sept. 11, inspired by senses of patriotism and loss, some donated money; others gave blood or volunteered their time to charities,” said Gen. Burgess who represented the president of the United States. “Looking deep inside yourselves, you committed your lives to freedom’s frontline by volunteering for the Pennsylvania National Guard in the time-honored tradition of citizen soldiering. A tradition that reflects the
very best of our core values — duty, honor, country.”
In addition, with more than 20,000 people to feed, seat, and entertain, the Penn State University’s Bryce Jordan Center secured nearly 1,000 community volunteers to support the event. “Despite having the difficult challenge of balancing military duty with civilian employment, family life, or school, Pennsylvania’s Guard members have always given priority to our nation’s needs,” said Dr. Spanier.
“Educating our future leaders is one way Penn State is contributing to the strength and stability of our nation and we are extremely proud to lend our facilities and resources to the Pennsylvania National Guard for this recognition event.”
The event also recognized the 2,500 soldiers and airmen who were deployed to Louisiana and Mississippi in response to Hurricane Katrina. Special remarks were made by Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, Commanding General, First United States Army, and Tom Foley, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross southeastern Pennsylvania chapter.
“Many states responded to Hurricane Katrina, but I know from personal experience that the Pennsylvania National Guard was front and center in both numbers and service. They worked side-by-side with the Red Cross to provide emergency supplies and assistance, and they were willing to do whatever was needed, wherever it was needed,” said Foley. “Pennsylvania National Guard units performed extraordinary service at a time of great personal need for hundreds of thousands of people — people who lived thousands of miles from these Guard members’ homes and families. When the Red Cross needed them, they were there.”
“We send soldiers all around the world to bring freedom and assistance to people who need our help, and that work is important,” Gen. Honore said. “But it is truly a special thing when we get the chance to help fellow Americans in need. The Soldiers of the Pennsylvania National Guard passionately and compassionately gave everything they had to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina in their greatest time of need, and I could
not be prouder of their efforts and accomplishments.”
Headline entertainers included country music singer Craig Morgan and the Beach Boys. Morgan, a U.S. Army veteran, has performed for service-personnel around the world at events such as Operation Salute. In 2003, he released his second album featuring the single, “Almost Home,” which broke the Top 10 on the U.S. Country Chart. In 2005, Morgan released his third album which included the hits “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” and “I Got You”.
The Beach Boys are widely considered one of the most influential bands in rock and pop music history. The band, which formed in California in the 1960’s have recorded dozens of Top 40 hits (including four US #1 singles), many best selling albums and were inducted into the Rock and roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Operation Salute was funded in large part by the generosity of over 40 local and national sponsors as well as with the support of the Pennsylvania National Guard Foundation and the Department of Community and Economic Development.