House Journal: Page 35: Tuesday, January 15, 2002
Thank you, Madame President. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members of the General
Assembly and our Supreme Court, and distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen.
We are assembled on this crisp winter morning in our great state just 126 days
after terrorists attacked our country, our freedom, and our way of life.
Today, we start together another legislative session-a reaffirmation of our
democratic process and a celebration of the blessings of our liberty.
In September of 1787, our founding fathers signed a document that began with
these words: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect
union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our
posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
With this simple phrase, to "secure the Blessings of Liberty," they assured that all
the generations of Americans to follow would have certain inalienable rights. They
believed that no matter what circumstances the nation and its people would face, these
"Blessings of Liberty" would stand tall and remain strong.
Last September 11th, terrorists filled with hatred believed they could destroy the
blessings of our liberty. But though their heinous acts shook us, they could not break
our spirit. Indeed, those terrorists have made us again one nation under God, stronger
and more determined.
The terrorists tried to destroy the blessings of our liberties. Instead, they re-ignited
our sense of unity and purpose…powerful weapons we can wield in protecting our
values and our way of life.
Nowhere is that spirit-the spirit of unity and community-stronger than in Iowa.
And never have I been prouder to call myself an Iowan. Citizens across this great state
have demonstrated heartfelt generosity and extraordinary sacrifice in the aftermath of
the attacks.
Iowans are well represented among those making sacrifices for Operation Enduring
Freedom. This morning, I am honored to introduce to you Brandi Aspengren from
Boone. Her husband, Sergeant Tony Aspengren, is one of the more than 300 Iowa
National Guard members called to federal active duty by President Bush. With
Company D, 109th Aviation Company, Sergeant Aspengren has been deployed to join
the war against terrorism. Brandi is here with her two daughters, Grier, who is 4, and
Greta, just seven months old. Sergeant Aspengren’s entire family is proud of him and
his service to our country. We are all proud of him, and of all the Iowans serving in
Operation Enduring Freedom-and we are proud of their families who sacrifice here at
home.
I also want to introduce you to Peggy Peterson, a wife, a mother of 3 young
children, and a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. She works for the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and is a state employee. Peggy went to
Ground Zero on November 24, and helped train rescue workers to properly use their
personal protective equipment. "I wanted to do my part," Peggy says. "I’ll never forget
the experience. The helplessness and vulnerability we all felt as we entered or left the
site-it’s an innocence that’s been ripped away from America."
© 2002 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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