Major General John E. Prendergast, Montana National Guard Commander -- Comments during Governor Martz Prayer Vigil Ceremony
September 14, 2001

While our state and nation are justifiably horrified and stunned - there is a group of people who must be recognized and honored - for their call to duty leaves no room for stunned inaction or paralysis under pressure. These are the men and women who serve in uniform - the uniform worn by the fireman, the policeman, the nurse, the soldier, sailor, airman and Marine, the Coast Guardsman and woman.

Those who wear these uniforms are pledged to put their all on the line to preserve our citizen’s lives and property, and nation’s sovereignty and freedom. The uniforms vary, the sacred commitment to others before self remain the same.

I ask you this day to think of those in so many different uniforms who are committed to sacrifice their physical or emotional well-being, their loving families . . their very lives . . . to uphold the sacred trust our citizenry has asked of them.

At this time, I ask you to recognize those throughout Montana and the United States who shoulder so much responsibility for our well-being, and are prepared to give their all on our behalf. Men and women like:

Chief Troy McGee of the Helena City Police Dept.

Larry Ross, the Helena City Fire Department’s training officer

Sheriff Sam McCorrmick and Undersherrif Cheryl Leidle of the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Dept.

Colonel Bert Obert of the Montana Highway Patrol, and

Mary Runkle, Director of Case Management at St. Peter’s Hospital.

Thank you, and God Bless.