Columns

Thursday, February 21, 2002

two september 11 heroes

Tom Harkin Salutes - A Column By Tom Harkin

As a Navy veteran, I remember well the Navy motto: Not for Self, but Country. On September 11, 2001, two Iowa sailors embodied the motto. They put themselves in harm’s way to save lives and serve their country following the terrorist attack on the Pentagon.

Davenport native Lieutenant Commander David Lemek and Dubuque native Lieutenant Kelly Ennis were among 82 Navy servicepeople and civilians who received a Navy commendation for their heroic efforts following the attack on the Pentagon.

Moments after the terrorist attack Lt. Commander Lemek leapt into action, helping evacuate his injured comrades from the wreckage. For his brave efforts, Lt. Commander Lemek received a Letter of Commendation from Navy secretary, Gordon England. In that letter Secretary England wrote, “By his relentless determination, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Lemek reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

While Lt. Commander Lemek assisted in the evacuation, Lt. Kelly Ennis provided invaluable assistance to local fire fighters fighting the blaze. With his past fire fighting training and knowledge of the Pentagon, he accompanied firefighters into the crash site. For his service, Lt. Ennis received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Lt. Ennis was also honored as one of the 14 heroes chosen to carry the Olympic flame in a December ceremony at the Pentagon.

It is fitting that the Olympic torch visited the Pentagon site as a tribute to the 125 victims of the Pentagon attack. The torch symbolizes not only the peaceful spirit of Olympics, but the enduring and inextinguishable spirit of America – a spirit embodied by Lt. Commander Lemek and Lt. Ennis.

As a Navy veteran, a United States Senator, and a fellow American, I thank David Lemek and Kelly Ennis. I’m sure they would say they were only doing their duty, only following the Navy motto. But they’ve set an example of bravery and patriotism for us all to follow. Lt. Cmdr. Lemek and Lt. Ennis – I salute you.