[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 26207-26208]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                TRIBUTE TO THE PEOPLE OF LEON COUNTY, FL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALLEN BOYD

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2001

  Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the people of 
Leon County, Florida. In a sincere motion of recognition, the citizens 
of Leon made a declaration of gratitude to all of those soldiers who 
are fighting overseas due to the horrible events of September 11th. I 
believe this decree shows that not only were all parts of this great 
country affected by the terrorist acts, but that the American people's 
support for the campaign to eliminate terrorism has not wavered.
  Leon County's Declaration is as follows:



[[Page 26208]]

       Whereas, the American experiment of government of the 
     people, by the people and for the people stands as a beacon 
     of freedom throughout the world; and
       Whereas, the government and people of the United States of 
     America are dedicated to the principles of freedom and 
     individual liberty for all of the world's citizens; and
       Whereas, on September 11, 2001, citizens of the United 
     States and of the world were murdered in a dastardly campaign 
     of inhuman atrocities, simply because they dared to live 
     free; and
       Whereas, the United States now finds itself at war both at 
     home and abroad for the first time in its history; and
       Whereas, the men and women of the United States Armed 
     Services are tasked with the responsibility to defend the 
     people and constitution of the United States of America; and
       Whereas, many men and women of Leon County, Florida have 
     answered the call to duty during this crisis.
       Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved By The Board of County 
     Commissioners of Leon County, Florida, that the men and women 
     of Leon County who serve in the United States armed services 
     are recognized as our ambassadors of freedom, and that they 
     are further designated, along with their colleagues from 
     every community in the United States, by the citizens of Leon 
     County, Florida, as our emissaries of peace, and the best 
     hope for peace and security for all the free peoples of the 
     Earth. Let it be known that, as the elected representatives 
     of the people of this community, the Leon County Board of 
     County Commissioners declares no compromise possible on the 
     principles of freedom, the requirements of security, and the 
     natural right of every person to live free from the fear of 
     terrorist assault. As such, we once again look to the men and 
     women of our armed services, the finest in the world, to 
     defend our lives, our freedom, and the sacred right of every 
     person to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
       Dated this 20th day of November, 2001.


  It gives me great pleasure to share with my colleagues the generosity 
of the exceptional people in my district. I hope that we can all stand 
behind declaration such as this one, and pray for the speedy return of 
the many soldiers that are putting their lives on the line in the name 
of freedom. They truly represent the very essence of the red, white and 
blue.

                          ____________________