Remarks (as Prepared): Aaron Seesan Memorial Dedication--U. S. Merchant Marine Academy

REMARKS [AS PREPARED]: AARON SEESAN MEMORIAL DEDICATION -- U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

Contact: Breann Gonzalez
Monday, May 22, 2006

Thank you very much for inviting me to join you today. I especially want to thank Thomas and Chiquita Seesan, their son Michael and daughters Rebekah and Rachel, and their entire family. It is truly an honor for me to be a part of this very special dedication ceremony today.

Aaron Seesan defined bravery.

He defined courage.

He defined honor.

A year ago today, we lost a true American hero.

I did not have the privilege of knowing Aaron while he was alive, but I have learned a great deal about this inspiring young man from his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.

Aaron Seesan was a kind and giving soul -- an honorable and principled young man, who always put the needs of others ahead of his own.

He was also a fierce protector.

Aaron joined the Army to protect his country. He went to Iraq to protect families he never met. And, he de-mined roads while he was there to protect the men and women serving alongside him.

In his all too brief 24 years with us on this Earth, Aaron lived his life selflessly, guided by an extraordinarily strong belief in doing the right thing -- in doing what he believed would help others and what would improve their lives.

Aaron Seesan volunteered to go to Iraq. He didn't have to go. He wanted to go. He wanted to do what he believed in his heart was the right thing. You see, most other soldiers of his rank have families, and he believed that -- as a single man -- he should go in their place. Aaron went to Iraq so that someone he would never meet could stay home with his or her family. He gave of himself without question and with a willingness and commitment that were exemplary. When I think about Aaron and the profound impact he has had on all of us, I am reminded of the simple words of Mother Theresa. And, this is what she said:

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."

That was Aaron Seesan. He cared deeply about others -- his family, his friends, his fellow soldiers. And, people just left happier after being around him.

Aaron gave his life doing what he believed in. And in doing so, he changed lives. He made the world a better place.

Aaron's dedication and sacrifice knew no bounds. As he lay mortally wounded in the moments following the explosion that ultimately took his life, he thought not of himself, but of his fellow soldiers around him. Instead of calling out for help, he ordered his troops to tend to other injured soldiers. Those who witnessed Aaron's incredible act of bravery remember his words: "Take charge Sergeant Arnold, and take care of the others." This last act of selflessness defined Aaron's character, his heroism, his courage.

We will never forget that. We will never forget Aaron and all the Ohioans and all the Americans whom we have lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We are proud of Aaron. And our Nation is proud of the men and women serving in our military currently and all those who are no longer with us. They lived their lives well -- with great purpose and commitment and love of family and country. And for that, we will always remember these brave souls. As we continue to keep all of America's service men and women in our thoughts and in our prayers, I would like to close my remarks with the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, from a letter he wrote 65 years ago today to Admiral Emory S. Land. His words still hold as true today as they did over six decades ago. They are a fitting tribute to Aaron and his service and remind us of how important all of our service members are and how much we value, especially, our Merchant Marine. It was read on Maritime Day, May 22, 1941, aboard the U.S. Maritime Service Training Ship American Seaman, at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC. This is what he wrote:

"Today, as never before in our history, our Merchant Marine is vital to our national welfare. I do not mean vital merely in the conventional sense that it makes an important contribution, but in the stronger sense that it is a crucially decisive factor in our continued existence as a free people. If we are going to keep away from our shores the forces that have convulsed the Old World and now menace the New, the job will be done in large measure by the ships and the sailors of the Merchant Marine and by the working men who build the ships and supply them. If they fail, the whole effort fails. And earnest, hardworking Americans, who spend the best part of their lives providing for the security and happiness of those they love, know that precious security and happiness depend exactly on the success of that effort. I know the effort will not fail; that more and faster ships will be built, manned by trained American seamen, and that they will carry through the open waters of the Seven Seas implements that will help destroy the menace to free peoples everywhere."

Thank you.

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