Joining a slew of other prominent celebs, entertainers, musicians and public figures on Sunday, Tiger Woods was in Washington, D.C., to participate in the We Are One inauguration party for president-elect Barack Obama.
It was hardly the cultural or political coming-out party for Woods that some had envisioned.
Specifically, Woods was called upon to read a speech from a teleprompter and introduce the U.S. Naval Glee Club, a choir composed of what his dad, an Army guy, probably would have called "swabbies."
Woods, well on his way to becoming the first sports figure ever to generate $1 billion in earnings and endorsement income, took no political stance on the Obama election and instead lauded the contributions of the military to American history. The heartfelt text of his short speech, entitled "You'll Never Walk Alone," follows :
“I grew up in a military family - and my role models in life were my Mom and Dad, Lt. Colonel Earl Woods.
“My dad was a Special Forces operator and many nights friends would visit our home. They represented every branch of the service, and every rank. In my Dad, and in those guests, I saw first-hand the dedication and commitment of those who serve. They come from every walk of life. From every part of our country. Time and again, across generations, they have defended our safety in the dark of night and far from home.
“Each day - and particularly on this historic day - we honor the men and women in uniform who serve our country and protect our freedom. They travel to the dangerous corners of the world, and we must remember that for every person who is in uniform, there are families who wait for them to come home safely.
“I am honored that the military is such an important part, not just of my personal life, but of my professional one as well. The golf tournament we do each year here in Washington is a testament to those unsung heroes. I am the son of a man who dedicated his life to his country, family and the military, and I am a better person for it.
“In the summer of 1864, Abraham Lincoln, the man at whose memorial we stand, spoke to the 164th Ohio Regiment and said: ‘I am greatly obliged to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country.’
“Just as they have stood tall for our country - we must always stand by and support the men and women in uniform and their families.
“Thank you, and it is now my pleasure to introduce the U.S. Naval Glee Club.”
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