Speech - September 11, 2007

Text of Gov. Rick Perry's Remarks
2007 Star of Texas Awards

(NOTE: Gov. Perry frequently deviates from prepared text.)

Thank you, Ken [Nicolas]. It is an honor to be here on what we Americans have come to know as Patriot Day. And we are gathered to honor a group of genuine patriots.

A patriot is defined as one who loves, supports and defends one's country. And, today, we honor patriotic Texans who have sacrificed greatly in the defense of our nation's most cherished rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Six years ago today, our nation experienced an assault on our homeland that changed our world forever. The events of that day redefined the meaning of national security, opened our eyes to the harsh realities of our world, and illustrated the unmatched importance of the men and women who bear the noble distinction, "first responder."

We who watched this tragedy unfold through news reports were stunned first with the audacity of the attacks, for their ferocity and cold calculation.

We were saddened by the immense human toll, shocked by the number of lives cut short so quickly. And we were amazed at the selfless bravery of the first responder community.

Because our first responders take such a professional approach to their life's work, they can become invisible in our everyday lives. Little noticed, that is, until trouble strikes and the alarm is raised.

If anyone had become blind to the everyday valor of our peace, the events of six years ago clearly reminded us of their courage.

On that darkest of days, we saw the most dreadful side of humanity but we also witnessed remarkable heroism.

The images are burned in our nation's conscience: hundreds of men and women driven by courage and a sacred oath to protect; wading upstream through a river of fleeing victims to save those who could not save themselves.

Our nation wept for each of the thousands of innocent people who died that day, including the 479 first responders whose first thought was not for their own self-preservation, but the safety of others.

September 11th renewed our sense of appreciation for all the men and women who are first upon the scene of tragedy that run into a burning home to save a child, that give life-saving medical treatment to the critically injured, and that step into harm's way to protect the innocent.

As we mark the sixth anniversary of September 11th I ask all Texans to pause and reflect on those who gave their lives that day.

I also ask you to remember those members of our Armed Forces who have given their lives in the global War on Terror that ensued.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and with the members of our Armed Forces who, today, stand between us and those who would repeat the atrocities of that fateful day.

In this moment, I also ask Texans to recognize the courage of our first responders, because their selfless service continues to this day.

We are honored to be in the presence of so many of those heroes today, those who are here in person, and those who live on in the memories of their loving families, their fellow officers, and the lives of a grateful citizenry.

I am honored to stand with so many of our state's finest who rush towards danger to save lives.

Each of us prays that we will never need your services, but when we do, we know that our lives are in good hands.

And we thank you for your service.

I want to speak for a moment directly to those of you who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. I will never grasp the pain of your loss, but know that I speak for more than twenty million Texans when I say, simply, "thank you and God bless you."

These words may be small comfort, but you must know just how much the people of Texas appreciate your sacrifice.

You are reminded every day of your painful loss, but rest assured that the sacrifice we recognize today has given life to others, made our state a safer place, and protected countless people from similar pain.

Today, we recognize not only the sacrifices of all of our first responders, but also their heroic deeds.

We reflect on the heroism of Investigator Paul Steven Habelt [Hah Belt] and Deputy Tony Price Ogburn of the Henderson County Sheriff's Department who were killed as they rushed to provide backup to fellow officers.

Or Firefighter Philip Wayne Townsend, of the Denison Fire Department who was killed fighting a raging fire in Webster, TX.

Or the brothers-in-arms in the Midlothian Police Department, Officer Dustin Compton, Sergeant Brian Daniel Woolery and Officer Cody McKinney, who risked their lives to drag their fellow officers to safety under a hail of gunfire.

And thanks to State Trooper Rick Smith who responded to that same "officer down" call and was also severely wounded.

These are not the actions of people who think first of their own safety. Instead, these are people who not only swear an oath, but live it out in full measure of their integrity, bravery and unassailable character.

The recipients of these awards are the finest our state has to offer. They are noble patriots, selfless servants, and our brave protectors.

We take great pride in honoring them today. May God bless you. May He speed your healing, and, through you, may God continue to bless Texas.

Thank you.