From time to time my office distributes press releases and written statements on state and national issues, debate in the Senate, and legislation that I am working on. For your convenience, I post these documents on my site for your review.
 print |  email |
|
CORRECTED VERSION: JEREMIAH DENTON
SESSIONS CONGRATULATES DENTON FOR INCLUSION IN NATIONAL ARCHIVES’ EYEWITNESS OF HISTORICAL EVENTS EXHIBIT
The exhibit, called “Eyewitness: American Originals from the National Archives,” consists of documents and recordings depicting 25 historic events in U.S. history. The exhibit includes video of U.S. Navy Commander Denton after he was captured and tortured by North Vietnamese troops. Denton remained a prisoner of war for more than seven and a half years.
Denton, a Mobile native, went on to become a Rear Admiral for the U.S. Navy, United States Senator, and author of the book, “When Hell Was in Session.”
“Admiral Denton, an exceptional leader, has spent his life fighting for freedom,” Sessions said. “He served in the Navy for 34 years, and he spent seven years in prison camps in Vietnam. He became the first U.S. captive to spend four years in solitary confinement, during which he reflected the highest standards of the American military. When the communists tried to use him for war propaganda, Admiral Denton remained courageous and steadfast saying that he believed in his government and would continue to support it as long as he lived. No one can forget the dramatic moment when he, as the first prisoner of war to walk off the airplane, thanked his President and his country for his release and said ‘God bless America.’ He is a true patriot.”
Denton retired from the Navy in 1977 and returned to Mobile, Alabama. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1980, becoming the first Republican in Alabama elected by popular vote, the first retired military flag officer elected to any statewide office, the first Catholic elected to any statewide office in Alabama, and the first retired Admiral elected to the United States Senate by any state.
“After his release, his concern for a decline in American values led him to become a national leader and call for a return to decency in America. His numerous accolades and accomplishments in public service are a testament to his hard work and influence. He has won the respect of not only the military, but also of our nation. His courage, patriotism, and faith are legendary. I congratulate Admiral Denton for his outstanding dedication to the United States, and I am proud to call him friend.”
The National Archives keeps historical documents and records of the United States. It is considered the most respected historical source in the country. The 25 eyewitnesses to historical events of United States history included U.S. Presidents, world leaders, explorers, and authors.
In addition to Denton, the list includes: Thomas Jefferson, John Lewis, Beverly Jones, George Washington, Herb Morrison, Marie Adams, Harold Porter, John Boston, Helmut Kohl, Theodore Joslin, George H.W. Bush, Robert King Stone, Lady Bird Johnson, Harry S. Truman, Alonzo Fields, John F. Kennedy, Thomas O. Selfridge Jr., Walker Schweiger, John Adams, Rose Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, John Fremont, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the crew of Apollo 8.
NOTE: This press release corrects inaccuracies included in a previous release of August 22.
|
|
|
||||||||||||||
 |
You will need to have Real One Player installed on your computer to be able to listen or watch the clips above. Real One Player is free software that lets you play audio and video files. Download Real One Player |