Posted on 09/29/2012 6:01:32 PM PDT by No One Special
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the American people, for what you have been to me during my imprisonment: a source of courage. The love, honor, and gifts you have bestowed upon me since my return have meant a good deal to me. I have yet to determine in my own mind what I have done that is deserving of this consideration.
For some reason, you people insist on calling me a hero. I would like to say that I am not the hero- you, the American people, are the heroes. You have made the United States what it is, and I thank you for it.
I have made this statement time and again during my speaking engagements and I would like to make it again to you now.
We were not a hand-picked group of Americans sent to prison cells in Hanoi. No, we were just average American citizens like you and your neighbors. But, by the grace of God, you could have been sitting in that prison cell instead of me. I know that had you been there, you would have felt and acted as we did. We did not want to conduct ourselves in any manner that would be unworthy of the love and respect you have always bestowed upon us, your military men.
It is this love and respect that makes Americans the wonderful people they are. It is this love and respect that has enabled the American people to build the greatest nation in the world.
I was indeed very fortunate to have been able to serve and represent a nation of people such as you, my beloved Americans. My heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of you. May I never conduct myself in a manner that would reflect in discredit upon the American people.
More details on Lt. Colonel Boyer at the site.
Retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Gene T. Boyer (born July 24, 1929) was the chief pilot of Army One, the helicopter transporting the President of the United States, between 1964 and 1975. Boyer was the pilot during President Richard Nixon’s last day in office on August 9, 1974, when Nixon famously delivered the V sign just prior to leaving office. He led the restoration of the VH-3A “Sea King” helicopter, tail number 150617, that served as Army One that day. That helicopter is now on permanent display at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.Boyer also served Presidents Johnson and Ford as a White House pilot.
bttt
This is Terry Boyer. Maybe they’re brothers. :-)
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