BALTIMORE, Maryland April 9, 2014 - The President concluded his eulogy at Fort Hood today by praying with the hundreds gathered at the outdoor ceremony, "May God continue to bless the United States with Patriots such as these."
He referred to the three Fort Hood soldiers gunned down last week by another soldier, who then ended the shooting spree that injured 16 by killing himself with a gunshot to the head. He did so as he was being confronted by a military police officer, who, as the shooter reached for his pistol, managed to get one shot of her own off at the murderer, identified as Ivan Antonio Lopez. The shot missed. Four of those injured remain hospitalized.
President Obama praised the fallen as among the best and brightest of all Americans. He reminded those gathered that the fallen had been taken from us all too early. He spoke briefly about all three: Sgt. First Class Daniel M. Ferguson, Staff Sgt. Carlos A. Lazaney-Rodriguez and Sgt. Timothy W. Owen. At the end of President Obama's remarks, a traditional ceremony took place in which a corps of soldiers appear for a 21-gun salute, but before it takes place, the names of the dead are read aloud as if they are there and are to respond to the call of their name. The speaker starts out calling loudly for, for instance, Sgt. Rodriguez. Then, in a more forceful voice, "Sgt. Carlos Rodriguez." And then, in a loud and pleading voice, "Staff Sgt. Carlos A. Lazaney-Rodriguez." By the time the roll call is completed, almost the entire audience of 2,000 is in tears and solemnly quiet. The President's address was appropriate and full of emotion. Before he spoke, two other speakers from Ft. Hood thanked him and the First Lady for attending, Each of the thanks was filled with emotion.
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