• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Secretary of Defense Attends 18th Annual Salute to Freedom Dinner

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090522-26
Release Date: 5/22/2009 2:25:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/SW) Gina K. Wollman, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, East

NEW YORK (NNS) -- The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum hosted its 18th annual Salute to Freedom dinner with Secretary of Defense as the honored guest May 21, during Fleet Week New York City 2009.

Richard T. Santulli, co-chairman of the museum greeted guests to the event.

The Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum hosted its 18th annual Salute to Freedom dinner with the Secretary of Defense as the honored guest May 21, during Fleet Week New York City 2009.

"We are thrilled once again to be hosting Fleet Week aboard Intrepid's newly-restored decks," said Santulli. "We want to welcome all of the troops to New York for Fleet Week and extend our most sincere gratitude for your brave service to our nation."

Each year, an honored guest is chosen to speak about the sacrifices of military members. This year, the Honorable Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense, was chosen as the speaker.

Gates spoke on many subjects surrounding past and present sacrifices that the men and women in the United States Armed Forces have made. He also discussed his feelings on the Intrepid and its past.

"It is especially amazing to be on this ship," said Gates. "With its storied history and in the presence of a number of its crew."

Gates also took the time to mention his views on Fleet Week.

"With all of the festivities in full swing, I can tell that many of you have been enjoying the city that never sleeps," he said. "And I can see that some of you have made that your motto."

After accepting the 2009 Freedom Award, Gates took the opportunity to voice who he believes are the real award winners.

"All of the men and women in uniform tonight are the real award winners," he said. "Each and every one of them is a hero, and a hero is someone you want to be like."

Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are participating in the 22nd commemoration of Fleet Week New York, May 20–27.

Fleet Week has been the city's way of celebrating sea services, nearly every year, since 1984. It provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

For more news from Navy Office of Community Outreach, visit www.navy.mil/local/navco/.