Message on the Shootings in Colorado
As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, The
Pentagon, Washington, DC, Monday, July 23, 2012
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To all Department of Defense personnel:
Flags at Department of Defense installations across
the world are being flown at half-staff to honor the victims of last week’s
tragedy in Aurora, Colorado. All of us in the Department of Defense community
are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence, which has hit our
military family especially hard.
Four of the victims served in the military –
including Air Force Staff Sergeant Jesse Childress, Navy Petty Officer
3rd Class John Larimer, Jonathan Blunk, a former Sailor, and Rebecca
Wingo, a former Airman. Other DoD personnel and family members were also
injured in this cruel attack.
I know that many are struggling to understand why
these innocent lives were taken from us, and how such a tragedy could occur in
this country. Even as we try to make sense of this evil act, we are also moved
to learn more about the actions of men and women like SSgt. Childress, who threw
himself in front of his friend in the movie theater to shield her from the
gunman. His selflessness saved her life, at the cost of his own.
These acts of heroism and sacrifice are the essence
of what military service is about – putting your life on the line to defend
those who are part of the American family.
Let us all honor the victims of this tragedy by
committing ourselves to the hard work and sacrifice of protecting this country.
Bravery, courage, and dedication are the hallmarks of our men and women in
uniform – our heroes.
May God bless each and every one of you, and the
United States of America.
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Monday, July 23, 2012
Message on the Shootings in Colorado
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