Senator Theodore "Ted" Stevens
November 18, 1923 - August 10, 2010
It is with tremendous sorrow,
emptiness and breaking emotions on this day that we as Americans bear witness
to the passing of a great statesman, Senator Ted Stevens.
Senator Stevens had the courage where others
did not, the foresight against the majority where others dare not, and the
tenacity of a skilled and determined man who came from humble American
beginnings to help bring the 49th state into the Union.
Senator Stevens defended our nation with
valor, wisdom and vision. He reached out to enable every part of Alaska from
its native tribes, wildlife, natural resources and its people to significantly
add to the fabric and strength of the American people and its culture.
Senator Stevens, with his intimidating
presence and reputation of passionate deliberate confrontation on issues
important to our nation and his state had a more compassionate reputation to
those that knew him of deep love and respect. He enabled and led the multitudes
of people he touched in so many ways throughout his 86 years in the making of
today's America.
We were fortunate to have him grace our
nation, share his wisdom, use his knowledge, and live with freedom from his
legacy.
For missile defense, there has been no greater
legislator or representative of the American people in the history of our
country. No one has done more to evolve, develop and deploy our nation's
missile defense systems; which are placed throughout the world, making our world,
allies and troops safe today.
Without Senator Steven's visionary leadership,
this nation would not today have a deployed missile defense system and
architecture protecting our homeland. The Missile Defense Agency would not have
been formed or supported without the iron will of Senator Stevens.
From all of us that support missile defense we
are eternally grateful for his legacy, leadership and determination.
God's grace be with him, his wife Catherine,
his children, his family and those that perished alongside him on the hillside
in Alaska.
Rest in Peace my dear friend, for you have the unconquerable soul.