My brother just pointed me to Tiger Woods’ remarkable speech during Obama’s inauguration, which I had missed.
Woods has generally stayed aloof from politics and before the election he refused to say whether he would vote for Obama or McCain, but after Obama’s victory he told CNBC that “”I think it’s absolutely incredible. … My father was hoping it would happen in his lifetime, but he didn’t get to see it….”
Woods accepted an invitation to speak at the “We Are One” concert at the Lincoln Memorial on January 18.
The special will be executive produced by George Stevens, Jr. (The Kennedy Center Honors), and produced by Don Mischer (Olympic Ceremonies) who will also direct the special, and Michael Stevens (The American Film Institute Salutes) who is also writing the special, and will be a production of The Stevens Company in association with Don Mischer Productions.
Musical performers scheduled for the event include Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher Raymond IV, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder. Among those reading historical passages will be Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington. The Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson will give the invocation. Rob Mathes will be the music director and arranger for the backing band, which will support all of the artists. Additional performers will be announced as they are confirmed.
My wife and I were traveling during the Inauguration and thus missed most of the press coverage. Thus I don’t know whether Woods’ remarks were noticed, but I find his remarks so remarkable that I’m posting them in their entirety:
I grew up in a military family — and my role models in life were my Mom and Dad, Lt. Col. Earl Woods.
My dad was a Special Forces operator and many nights friends would visit our home. They represented every branch of service, and every rank. In my Dad, and in those guests, I saw firsthand the dedication and commitment of those who serve. They come from every walk of life. From every part of our country. Time and again, across generations, they have defeneded our safety in the dark of night and far from home.
Each day — and particularly on this historic day — we honor the men and women in uniform who serve our country and protect our freedom. They travel to the dangerous corners of the world, and we must remember that for every person who is in uniform, there are families who wait for them to come home safely.
I am honored that the military is such an important part, not just of my personal life, but of my professional life as well. The golf tournament we do each year here in Washington is a testament to those unsung heroes. I am the son of a man who dedicated his life to his country, family and the military, and I am a better person for it.
In the summer of 1864, Abraham Lincoln, the man on whose memorial we stand, spoke to the 164th Ohio Regiment and said: “I am greatly obliged to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country.”
Just as they have stood tall for our country — we must always stand by and support the men and women in uniform and their families.
Thank you, and it is now my pleasure to introduce the U.S. Naval Glee Club.
Moving and heartfelt though these comments are, they are more noteworthy for what they didn’t say. I wonder, did any other speaker at any of the Inauguration events refuse to mention not only Obama’s race but even his name?
