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It is a privilege to join the city of Key West in Esky West and the US battleship Maine Centennial Commission and the Key West Art and Historical Society in this special tribute 98 years ago. Late in the evening of February 15 18 98 the American battleship USS Maine rested in her birth in Havana Harbor.

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Like many American military personnel over the years, her nearly 300 crewmen had been sent to a foreign land in the name of peace and freedom. At 21 40 hours, without warning, the battleship was engulfed in a massive explosion. Within moments, the main was destroyed. 260 members of our crew lost their lives.

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That tragedy precipitated a war, and remember, the main became the cry that galvanized national unity. But remember, the main has a far greater significance than as a wartime slogan. It symbolizes sacrifice and patriotism. It conjures up memories of all the brave American servicemen and women who have spent time away from their loved ones and in harm's way to defend their country's ideals.

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It honors the willingness of American military personnel to put their lives on the line for foreign countries and foreign peoples who hope to realize the dream of freedom. The spirit of Remember the Maine has continued to live on nearly a century after that tragic night in Havana.

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If we are to keep that spirit alive for the next 100 years and beyond, we must continue to honor the outstanding historic legacy of the United States military. There is no better time to take up that mission than this week National Historical Preservation Week. And there is no better place than Key West, a city that has contributed mightily to our nation's rich military heritage.

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One thing that cannot be dismissed by international changes or budget restraints is our reverence for contributions that American military men and women have made throughout our nation's history. So later this morning, as you stand at the U. S s Maine memorial plot in Key West Cemetery, I heard you to embrace that heritage.

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I urge you to pass it on to your colleagues, to your constituents, to your fellow officers and to your Children. I urge you to support the preservation efforts like those here in Key West. I urge you to honor the memories of the 25 sailors who are buried in that memorial plot.

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We must make sure that future generations do not forget the gallant sacrifices that have been made in our behalf. Thank you and good day.