WHEREAS, the American experiment of government of the people, by the people and for the people stands as a beacon of freedom throughout the world; and

WHEREAS,the government and people of the United States of America are dedicated to the principles of freedom and individual liberty for all of the world's citizens; and

WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, citizens of the United States and of the world were murdered in a dastardly campaign of inhuman atrocities, simply because they dared to live free; and

WHEREAS, the United States now finds itself at war both at home and abroad for the first time in its history, and

WHEREAS, the men and women of the United States Armed Services are tasked with the responsibility to defend the people and constitution of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, many men and women of Leon County, Florida have answered the call to duty during this crisis.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the men and women of Leon County who serve in the United States armed services are recognized as our ambassadors of freedom, and that they are further designated, along with their colleagues from every community in the United States, by the citizens of Leon County, Florida, as our emissaries of peace, and the best hope for peace and security for all the free peoples of the Earth. Let it be known that, as the elected representatives of the people of this community, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners declares no compromise possible on the principles of freedom, the requirements of security, and the natural right of every person to live free from the fear of terrorist assault. As such, we once again look to the men and women of our armed services, the finest in the world, to defend our lives, our freedom, and the sacred right of every person to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

DATED THIS 20th DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2001