Ret. Lt. General Claudia Kennedy's Speech Before the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, July 28, 2004

/EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UPON DELIVERY OF SPEECH, SCHEDULED FOR 9:55 P.M. EDT TODAY, JULY 28/

BOSTON, July 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of Ret. Lt. General Claudia Kennedy's speech before the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, July 28, 2004:

In 1995, with chaos and violence sweeping the Balkans, the United States decided that our security and our values demanded that we intervene.

But rather than go it alone, President Clinton and General John Shalikashvili, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, enlisted the support of NATO in the effort to achieve peace.

Together, the Atlantic alliance lifted the siege of Sarajevo and forged the Dayton Peace Accords.

America led by rallying the forces of freedom, and in return, we earned the respect of the world.

General Shalikashvili earned his commission as an officer in the United States Army in 1959.

Through four decades, he served all across the globe, from Vietnam to Europe to Iraq.

Under the first President Bush, he became Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and Commander in Chief of the United States European Command.

In 1993, he became the 13th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking officer in the United States military.

A visionary leader, he has helped lead the world's strongest military with honor and distinction, and with a great love for the nation he served.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to introduce to you the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John Shalikashvili.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

CONTACT: Peggy Wilhide of the Democratic National Convention Committee,
+1-617-366-3100

Web site:  http://www.dems2004.org/