* The following is a transcript of the speech given by Mr. Jay Horecky on Memorial Day 2010 as he presented the newly completed Friendswood Veterans Memorial to the City of Friendswood. It is undedited.*
Good Morning
I am honored to welcome you to the dedication of the Friendswood Veterans Memorial..... We especially recognize our Veterans..... and those of you currently serving in the military.... Thank you for your service.
When we decided to undertake the design, and construction of this Veterans memorial, we were determined that it should be something special..... After all, it’s meant to honor the courage and sacrifices of all the brave heros in our military.
This memorial was built to remember those who died on the battlefields...... the missing in action.......the wounded..... and all who contribute in war and peace to the freedom of our Republic.
The three main elements of this memorial are the eagle.... a symbol of strength and liberty
The globe....... reminding us of the world we live in and our exceptional good fortune to live in America
And our Flag......America’s beautiful symbol of liberty .......which is recognized throughout the world
I would like to thank ALL who contributed in every way to this project...... It stands as a beautiful and lasting tribute to all who serve our Country.
We hope that all who visit this memorial......will remember and be grateful to the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who defend and preserve our Nation.
On this Memorial Day we remember.... and honor the men and women who have answered America’s call to duty..... and made the supreme sacrifice in Her defense.
The wreath of flowers we offer in their memory is but a small token of our gratitude and respect for the ultimate gift they gave...... The flowers remind us of the beauty.... and brevity of life. We honor the bravery of these men and women... and vow to always honor their sacrifice. We remember and pray for their families,... and offer our support.
I would now like to introduce Father Jim Nelson from the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.......a U.S. Navy veteran who will give the invocation
Those of you who can, please stand.
*Father Nelsons Remarks here*
Thank you Father Nelson
Please remain standing for the posting and retiring of colors by.......................... the 1st battalion 23rd Marines
And the singing of our National Anthem by.....Lt. Lisa A. Taylor of the U.S. Coast Guard.
*National Anthem Sung here*
Thank you Marines and Lt. Taylor
I am especially honored today to introduce our Guest Speaker..... Michael L. Coats....Captain, U.S. Navy (retired) and current Director of the Johnson Space Center
After graduating from the USNA in 1968 he entered naval flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in Sept.1969.
He was assigned to the USS KITTY HAWK and flew 315 combat missions in the A-7E over SE ASIA from 1970-1972.
He then served as an instructor pilot before being selected to attend the USN Test Pilot School. Following Test Pilot training he served with the Test Pilot school until his selection as an astronaut candidate. He has logged over 5,000 hrs in 28 types of aircraft..... including over 400 carrier landings.
Following astronaut Training, he was assigned various space center duties until he was chosen as the pilot for STS-41D and subsequently spacecraft commander on STS-29 & STS-39. He has logged over 463 hrs. in space including 310 orbits of the earth. HE IS A TRUE ROCKET MAN.
Mr. Coats holds the following honors:
Defense Superior Service Medal
(3) Distinguished Flying Crosses
(32) Strike Flight Air Medals
(3) Individual Action Air Medals
(9) Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V device
(3) NASA Spaceflight Medals
NASA Distinguished Service Medal
NASA Medal for outstanding leadership
Inducted into Astronaut Hall of Fame
In addition, he was awarded the Federation Aeronautique Int’l (FAI) gold space medal and elected as a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics.
He retired from the Navy and Astronauts office in 1991 and went to work in the private sector.
He came back to NASA in 2005 to take the position of Director, JSC where he remains today.
I am told that his favorite honor is to be the proud grandfather of twin 3 yr old girls!!!!
Help me extend a warm welcome to Michael L, Coats.
*Mr. Coats speaks here. A copy of his remarked are here.*
CALL IN B-17 WATCH FOR B-17 NOTE SPECIAL MISSION
Thank you Mr Coats
CALL IN MISSING MAN DURING MAYOR’S TALK
Mayor Smith....please come to the podium
I Would like to present this Veterans Memorial to the City of Friendswood and it’s citizens.............We hope veterans like it..... are proud of it..... and find it a place where they can feel at peace. We want Friendswood to be recognized as a place where Veterans are honored... ....and their service is respected......Thank you for the use of this beautiful piece of land for the memorial.
Thank you Mayor Smith
If you will look over your right shoulder you will see and hear a classic formation of WWII vintage aircraft. As they pass overhead the No. 3 A/C will pull up and head west symbolizing those lost.
Please stand (if able) for the sounding of taps by Kevin Henderson of the Clear Lake Symphony.
Thank you Kevin.........This concludes our ceremony. Please join us on the lawn for refreshments.
