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Images
Tiger
Woods gives a speech at the Lincoln Memorial during festivities for the
presidential inauguration on Sunday.
Jan. 19, 2009
By Tiger Woods
Editor's note: Below is the speech Tiger Woods gave on Sunday,
Jan. 18,2009 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. during the festivities
for the presidential inauguration. It was originally printed on www.tigerwoods.com.
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
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 life 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 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 U.S. Naval Glee Club.