From the Louisville Courier Journal, on 172 new U.S. citizens:
"Let it never be said that people like you have done nothing in the past for this country," he said. "This country is grateful for the service you provided before you were citizens."
Participants also heard from retired Army Maj. Gen. Robert S. Silverthorn Jr., who told them he was proud of the courage they showed by leaving their homes behind and coming to America to begin a new life. Stephen A. Leishman, registrar general with The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, also welcomed the new citizens, and encouraged them to get involved in their communities.
The society has hosted a naturalization ceremony for each of the past three years. Prior to Friday's ceremony, Leishman said he thought the event fit nicely with the society's mission.
"All our patriotic ancestors came to this country," he said. "They were immigrants 250 years ago."
From Homeland Security Today, on an interview with Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen:
Q: What changes if any there have been under the new administration and under Secretary Napolitano for the Coast Guard. How has it affected the mission, has it changed it at all?
A: If I were to give you a general observation, having a governor as a secretary has brought a focus on what I would call integrated concepts of homeland security related to all the different levels of government and what federalism really means, if you will. She has a very good understanding of the responsibilities of being a governor, the governor of a state on the southwest border. While they don't have hurricanes they certainly have wildfires and other things that require them to interact with FEMA.
Q: You're from that area.
A: I'm from Tucson, yes. She was my governor.
So what I think that you see is a pretty comprehensive view of the roles of government and the responsibilities of different levels of government clear down to what citizens ought to be doing in terms of preparedness and things like that. And I think that a hallmark of her tenure so far has been a sense of collaboration with governors in trying to understand the local implications of federal decisions. If I were to give you an overarching theme it is probably that.
Q. When you came in, you had this vision of independent commands; innovating, taking initiative, and carrying out the mission. Has it changed your vision, the vision you had of the Coast Guard, under this new administration?
A. No, in fact, some of the roles and missions of the Coast Guard are going to be more finely described or described with greater accuracy.
Public Events
8:30 AM EST
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate will deliver remarks at the 57th Annual International Association of Emergency Managers Annual Conference
Rosen Centre Hotel & Orange County Convention Center
9840 International Drive
Orlando, Fla.
9 AM EST
National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) Deputy Under Secretary Philip Reitinger will deliver remarks about the importance of integrity, security, and reliability in software and the DHS’ perspective on software security progress at the 11th Annual Software Assurance Forum
Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, Va.
11 AM EST
DHS Office of Health Affairs Assistant Secretary and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alexander Garza will deliver remarks about the 2009 H1N1 Influenza during the International Association of Emergency Managers Annual Conference
Orange County Convention Center
9860 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, Fla.
2 PM EST
NPPD Deputy Under Secretary Philip Reitinger will deliver remarks on cybersecurity at the Homeland Security Policy Institute/Intelligence and National Security Alliance Cyber Deterrence Symposium
The George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs
Seventh Floor, State Room
1957 E Street NW
Washington, D.C.
3 PM EST
TSA Public Affairs Manager Sari Koshetz will participate in a media availability about Operation Transit Shield
Tri-Rail station
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.