Excerpts of Remarks by Central Intelligence Agency Director Leon E. Panetta at the Annual Memorial Ceremony

 

1 June 2009 (as prepared for delivery)

 

Good morning. Let me start by thanking everyone for being here, especially the many family members who have joined us. Our nation owes a tremendous debt to the men and women represented by these stars. We also are indebted to you for the sacrifices you have made _the sorrow you have endured. We are honored by your presence today, as always. Sylvia and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and learning more about your loved ones. We have all experienced the loss of someone close to us, but it is particularly difficult when someone in the prime of their life has died in the service of the nation. That is why this ceremony has special meaning for CIA. Each year, we set aside time to gather as an extended family and remember those we have lost in service. They are heroes of our time and of years past, talented officers who helped our nation face the great foreign challenges of the last six decades. Many did so in secrecy, demonstrating the extraordinary dedication and selflessness that have always defined our Agency. The 90 men and women memorialized here came from all walks of life, but they were joined together by the same demanding mission we pursue today. They held different jobs in different places, but were motivated by the same sense of duty and purpose that are the heart and soul of CIA. In remembering these cherished colleagues, we not only celebrate their lives and show respect for their sacrifice, we affirm our own dedication to the American people. What better way to honor them than to carry forward their vital work? We will persevere in the mission, always mindful of how they served: with courage to accept risk on behalf of the common good, commitment to go wherever our work requires, and integrity to uphold the people's trust. The passage of time does not diminish the power of their example. And so, each year, we use this occasion to tell some of the stories behind these stars. Today, I am privileged to be able to share with the world the story of Gregg Wenzel. His star was engraved five years ago, but only recently could CIA publicly claim him as our own. His name is now written in our Book of Honor. Gregg and his family can finally receive the gratitude of their fellow citizens _the gratitude they deserve. Gregg was a member of our Clandestine Service _a graduate of the first post-9/11 training class. The officers of that class would confront a changed world. They would serve on the front lines in defense of a country that needed them more than ever. A former public defender in Florida, Gregg said he sought a career at the Agency for two reasons: He wanted to serve his country, and, in his words, "to live for a purpose greater than myself." His enthusiasm for the job was unmistakable _and infectious. The opportunity to travel, study languages, learn about the world and strive to change it for the better: those were the things that inspired him. During months of rigorous training, Gregg stood out as a leader. For his talent and intellect, but also for his great sense of humor and penchant for fun. He helped unite the class and kept its spirits high in the toughest moments. Those powerful qualities were central to Gregg's success as a case officer. In 2002, he was assigned to Addis Ababa, where he collected intelligence on a wide variety of national security priorities. He was, by all accounts, a skilled operator _one who loved his work, especially when it took him off the beaten path. He came to know the country by living there as he lived everywhere: fully, with energy and curiosity. Hundreds of photos shared with family and friends tell the story. Only a year after arriving in Ethiopia, Gregg was tragically killed in a car accident. At age 33, a promising young officer _a leader and friend to so many _was taken from us. We find some measure of solace in knowing that Gregg achieved what he set out to do: He lived for a purpose greater than himself. Like his star on this Wall, that lesson remains with us always. Gregg Wenzel is an inspiration to all of us. [Paragraphs omitted] It is an honor for me to lead this extraordinary organization and to know the stories of the heroes reflected in these stars. [Paragraphs omitted] Each colleague commemorated here put service before self. They were determined to give something back to the country that had given them so much. They loved America and put that love into action. Their patriotism and leadership _courage and decency _are models for all of us. Their work is our work now. And their spirit abides with us. We are forever grateful for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice. May God alwavs bless them. And mav He comfort all who continue to mourn. To honor their memory and mark their sacrifice, I have asked the sculptor who carves the stars on the wall to make a replica for the families of those we honor. Each family will receive the star as it is created by the sculptor, but I thought it would be appropriate to begin this tradition by presenting the very first memorial star to the very first star family _the Mackiernan family. Douglas Mackiernan, known to his friends as "Mack," became a CIA officer when our Agency was established in 1947. He was in China when the Communists took over but he managed to escape. After a journey of almost unimaginable hardship across deserts, high plateaus and mountain ranges, he and his party finally made it to Tibet. Soon after reaching what they thought was safe ground, they encountered a group of six armed Tibetans. One panicked and fired, killing Douglas Mackiernan, along with two members of his party. He was a Cold War hero, the first Agency officer to die in the line of duty, and his sacrifice immortalized him as CIA's first star. We are honored to have two of his brothers with us today. Malcolm and Stuart, would you please come forward? We salute our heroes, and, in so doing, we salute all of those who are willing to put theirs lives on the line in the service of the United States of America. May God bles: them and mav God bless all of us.