Posted on 06/19/2008 3:23:09 PM PDT by Ooh-Ah
President George W. Bush shakes hands with General Peter Pace after presenting him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom Thursday, June 19, 2008, during the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony in the East Room at the White House. White House photo by David Bohrer
One of my great privileges as the President has been to meet so many outstanding Americans who volunteer to serve our nation in uniform. I've been inspired by their valor, selflessness, and complete integrity. I found all those qualities in abundance in General Peter Pace. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pete Pace was a skilled and trusted advisor in a time of war. He helped transform our military into a more efficient and effective force in America's defense.General Pace experienced the blessings America offers at an early age. He was born in Brooklyn to an Italian immigrant father who sometimes worked two or three jobs at a time to make ends meet. He was raised by a mom who instilled in him the sustaining power of faith. Together his parents raised four children who each went on to great achievements in their chosen fields. That childhood gave young Pete Pace an early glimpse of what he would later call "the incredible benefits that our nation bestows on those who come to our shores."
Pete Pace attended the Naval Academy, and as a young Marine soon found his way to Vietnam. The age of 22, he took command of a platoon engaged in heavy fighting against the enemy during the Tet offensive. Pete quickly won the respect and the trust of his unit and formed a bond with all those who served with him. That bond only strengthened throughout his military career.
He was the first Marine to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. And he performed his duties with a keen intellect, a sharp wit, and a passionate devotion to our country. He won the admiration of all who knew him. And that includes a soldier in Afghanistan who came up to General Pace last year during his farewell visit to that country, and said simply: "Sir, thanks for your service. We'll take it from here."
On his final day in uniform, General Pace took a quiet journey to the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. He searched the names engraved in the sleek granite, and then found a spot where he placed his four stars that had adorned his uniform. Along with those stars he attached notes addressed to the men who died under his first command some four decades ago. The notes said: "These are yours -- not mine. With love and respect, your platoon leader, Pete Pace." General Pace ended his military career the same way that he began it -- with love for his country and devotion to his fellow Marines.
For his selfless service to his country, and for always putting the interests of our men and women in uniform first, I am proud to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to General Pete Pace. (Applause.)
A salute your way Gen. Pace. Thank you for serving us all!!!
That said, God bless Peter Pace -- a great Marine and a greater man. May he enjoy fair winds and following seas. Semper Fidelis...
a class act.
This is a hollow ceremony to cover what should not have happened.
I agree with you 100%.
bump.
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NEVER FORGET
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America’s most deserving Presidential Medal of Freedom Award Candidate for the last 7 years:
The Man who predicted 9/11 =
9/11 Lifesaver RICK RESCORLA, r.i.p.
(The Story)
http://www.RickRescorla.com
(The Pictures)
http://www.RickRescorla.com/The%20Statue.htm
(The Rest of the Story)
http://www.ArmchairGeneral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24361
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NEVER FORGET
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Transcript: Gen. PETER PACE on ‘FOX News Sunday’
http://www.Freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1546978/posts
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Thanks, Ronnie.
May General Pace be richly blessed in this world and the next.
Where do we get these men?
Divine Providence.
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Gen. PETER PACE:
Where do we get such men?
From all of us being Free, that’s where.
Free to be all that we already are in GOD’s Eyes and...
Free to be all that we can be while here on the Earth.
And above.
Freedom is THE Answer, for everyone...
Everywhere.
T’is THE Battle of the 21st Century.
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You mean Peter Pace, the Italian Catholic brought up in good ol’ Teaneck, New Jersey as was General Odierno also from NJ (Rockaway) who caught Saddam Husein? Who else is from New Jersey? How about the 3 astronauts who just flew the space shuttle Discovery. End of commercial for great Americans from New Jersey
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Where do we get such men?
From the State of New Jersey:
9/11 Lifesaver RICK RESCORLA
Where RICK RESCORLA walked in Vietnam, exactly, 43 years ago:
http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_set1.htm
(See 1st Photo)
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Thanks for the ping!
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NEVER FORGET
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CLARITY =
Gov. SCHWARZENEGGER Signs Legislation to Create the GOLD STAR FAMILY License Plate
http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/10630/
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NEVER FORGET
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