Tiger Woods pays tribute to military in speech at Obama celebration
In an inaugural celebration at the Lincoln Memorial today, Tiger Woods praised his father and "the men and women in uniform who serve our country and protect our freedom."
Woods was one of many prominent figures at Sunday's celebration, which was broadcast on HBO and featured a star-studded lineup of movie stars and musical acts. Woods has tended to stay away from political issues throughout his career, but he used his moment on stage Sunday to speak about his father, Earl Woods, who he called a role model, and the military in general. Here is the text of his remarks, as recorded at tigerwoods.com.
"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 firsthand 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."
Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Posted by: Steve Lyons | Mar 6, 2009 6:25:42 PM
This was a fantastic speech and I wonder why it didn't get more airplay. (actually I know why it didn't get airplay) It is interesting but I refuse to interpret his lack of mention of Obama as a slight or an insult. I just think he may have not considered Obama anywhere near as important as his family, his country, and his father. I know the only people that worship Obama are the very people I have no respect for what so ever.
Posted by: Blice | Jan 21, 2009 4:23:29 PM
This Post was done by a idiot : Posted by: larry porter | January 20, 2009 at 07:00 PM
Why can we not see the good, treasure the positive. It is so easy to find a fault with anything and everyone, so I ask you this, when will you start to live for the positive, when will you want to bath in the light, as opposed to cursing the darkness and embracing the negative. When will you wake up? Jealousy and envy, still breads negative thinking idiots
Posted by: Blice | Jan 21, 2009 4:22:26 PM
This Post was done by a idiot : Posted by: larry porter | January 20, 2009 at 07:00 PM
Why can we not see the good, treasure the positive. It is so easy to find a fault with anything and everyone, so I ask you this, when will you start to live for the positive, when will you want to bath in the light, as opposed to cursing the darkness and embracing the negative. When will you wake up? Jealousy and envy, still breads negative thinking idiots
Posted by: M. Taylor | Jan 21, 2009 12:49:29 PM
ajo - when one is invited to participate in an event, they are usually given a theme on which they are supposed to speak. In Tiger's case it was honouring the military and their families who have and will be playing a huge role in the President's and the country's security. Tiger has already personally said otherwise that he is proud of President Obama - check the website by googling. If you read the entire speech you would have notice that at the end Tiger introduced the Navy Seal Glee Club. It was not an occassion for Tiger to become political. That simply is not his nature.
Posted by: larry porter | Jan 20, 2009 7:00:49 PM
Besides being the best golfer in the world his poise with the golfing public a shear delight. He is always a gentalman in every way. Professionally and in private. His personal views are alway given with dignatiy and fore thought. Its always been a blessing to have him in the golf lime light. He is a true professional and has always conducted himself that way. Keep up the good work "TIGER".
Posted by: aj o. | Jan 19, 2009 11:46:51 PM
Come on tiger you couldn't say how proud your dad would have been,to see the first Black President.I know you and Michael J. are gods,but other entertainers,singers,sportstars,can aknowlege the importance of the event you should have to.I guess that was too taboo,and, it's all about the money.
Posted by: clint | Jan 19, 2009 9:52:27 PM
Tiger's father had a unique role in the military that had a lifelong effect on his son. That is what family is about in all walks of life. All of our mothers and fathers had an effect on who we are and what we stand for. He made an honest speech that reflects his upbring. Lets not try to dissect his respect for his father or our country. His words honoring his father, all service men and women and our country were spoken from the heart.
Posted by: Jiovanne | Jan 19, 2009 9:32:21 PM
Another thing Sudhakar, the "miss" reference is uncalled for and unethical and childish. You're trying to impose your view on mine and yet your probably one of the millions who preach tolerance yet don't practice it yourself. Grow up.
Posted by: Jiovanne | Jan 19, 2009 9:30:16 PM
Sudhakar, where was I judgemental in my statements? All I said was that many people and the media adore Tiger like he's a god or something. You know what it's like to lose a father and he does too. So do other millions around the world. So then why does Tiger get a special mention every time someone decides to bring up Earl Woods in a conversation saying he was an extremely special father? There are tons of special fathers out there who deserve the same recognition if not more than what Earl Woods received. But since it's Tiger, well that makes Earl Woods more special than my dad and yours put together in many people's eyes.
Posted by: Bob | Jan 19, 2009 6:49:00 PM
Tiger; thanks for sharing a personal moment and honoring our men and women serving their country. God Bless!
Posted by: Doug | Jan 19, 2009 11:37:29 AM
Thanks again Tiger for not making this a political moment...like virtually every other major star taking a stage in the last year...and since you don't get it M. Taylor, this is not a negative comment either. Tiger focused on a positive message, not a self absorbed agenda
Posted by: Sudhakar | Jan 19, 2009 10:51:28 AM
Miss Jiovanne...it is easy to say "the day my father passes, it will hit me hard", but it is really tough actually going through it. I have gone through it and understand Tiger's pain very well. My suggestion to you - Shut up and stop being so judgemental.
Posted by: M. Taylor | Jan 19, 2009 10:51:24 AM
If Tiger feels like saying he loves his dad, then I will not tire of hearing it. Perhaps if more children (like the poster) were told by THEIR DADS that they were loved, they would have no hesitancy in stating such. If you are embarrassed by a man saying he loves his dad, then so be it.
Posted by: M. Taylor | Jan 19, 2009 10:47:36 AM
How envious and negative can people be when they cannot just decide not to comment if they do not really have a point to make. Tiger is an icon and a very good human being. I wish I could say the same for some of the above posters who continue to navel-graze and be negative. All the best Tiger and to President-Elect Obama and his administration. If being positive hurts your feelings then so be it. Without hope there can be no progress. Without hope, a positive outlook and hard work, Tiger would not have achieved the success he has so far acquired. Thanks Tiger.
Posted by: Doug | Jan 19, 2009 10:22:04 AM
I am relieved that he didn't jump on the Obama wagon...focusing his words on the military
Posted by: ben baker | Jan 19, 2009 10:09:55 AM
i find it refreshing that i havn't had to hear about tigers political thoughts over his career. as michael jordan before him, tiger has done many positive things during his career. in my opinion, just because someone can hit a golf ball, throw a touchdown pass, hit the game winning three pointer at the buzzer, doesnt give him the right to speak on his opinions everytime a mic gets shoved in his face. my respect goes out to all the people in sports or entertainment that choose not too get on their high horse and tell their fans how they should think.
Posted by: Ed | Jan 19, 2009 8:44:46 AM
On a stand-alone basis, Tiger's comments at the inaugural celebration were perfect as he drew from his real life experience of having grown up in a military family. However, going forward, I wouldn't mind hearing less about how much Tiger loved his dad.
Posted by: Jiovanne | Jan 19, 2009 7:42:41 AM
You know, I'm kinda growing tired of the Tiger adoration. Doesn't anyone think that it hurts any other human being to lose their father? So he's Tiger Woods and he lost his father like the rest of us do. I have an extreme attachment to my father and the day he passes will hit me and hit me hard. Tiger's a human like the rest of us.
Posted by: patricia | Jan 18, 2009 11:32:46 PM
One can say what ever they like about Tiger Woods' political convictions, or lack thereof, but there's no question he had a monumental...almost one-of-a-kind love for his father...and an exceptionally strong attachment. It must hurt him profoundly every day to have his Dad gone.