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"You'll Never Walk Alone,"
"I grew up in a military family - and my role models in life were my Mom
and Dad, Lt. Colonel Earl Woods. My dad was a Special Forces operator
and many nights friends would visit our home. They represented every
branch of the service, and every rank.
"In my Dad, and in those guests, I saw first hand the dedication and
commitment of those who serve. They come from every walk of life.
From every part of our country. Time and again, across generations, they
have defended our safety in the dark of night and far from home.
"Each day -- and particularly on this historic day -- we honor the men
and women in uniform who serve our country and protect our freedom. They
travel to the dangerous corners of the world, and we must remember that
for every person who is in uniform, there are families who wait for them
to come home safely.
"I am honored that the military is such an important part, not just of
my personal life, but of my professional one as well. The golf
tournament we do each year here in Washington is a testament to those
unsung heroes.
"I am the son of a man who dedicated his life to his country, family and
the military, and I am a better person for it.
"In the summer of 1864, Abraham Lincoln, the man at whose memorial we
stand, spoke to the 164th Ohio Regiment and said: 'I am greatly obliged
to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country.'
"Just as they have stood tall for our country - we must always stand by
and support the men and women in uniform and their families.
"Thank you, and it is now my pleasure to introduce the US Naval Glee
Club."
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