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Despite the casualties and continuing challenges in Iraq, retired U.S. Army Gen. Tommy Franks said Americans should continue to remember where they were and what they were willing to do the day after the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and rural Pennsylvania.

The retired four-star general reminded Farm Bureau members attending AFBF’s 85th annual meeting that, "The last two years of American history have been tough on you, on your kids and on your brothers and sisters."

"When we saw those twin towers fall, we recognized the vulnerability of America, our free and open society and our way of life. And since that time, the world has come to recognize what a super power on steroids looks like. As President Bush said, ‘Bring it on.’ To not bring it on, means we quit," Franks emphasized. "If we quit, then we lose the work of our forefathers for over 225 years."

Franks is no stranger to war-time challenges. After joining the Army in 1965, he quickly rose through the ranks, first becoming a second lieutenant out of Artillery Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Okla. He received his first combat experience as an artillery officer in Vietnam, where he was wounded three times. Until his retirement last year, he served as the commander in chief of Central Command in charge of U.S. military operations for 25 nations in Africa, central Asia and the Middle East.

Speaking just a few miles from Pearl Harbor, Franks reminded the crowd that "America is used to tough times. Not many miles from here a number of years ago, the Japanese made it tough on Americans and our country. From 1941 to - ’45, we gave the world a dose of America.

"Many people ask, ‘Is what we’re after in Iraq worth the price?’ Of course, because the prize we seek is a way of life. We gave 26 million people a chance they hadn’t had in 2,000 years," Franks said. "It satisfies me greatly when people like Saddam Hussein have a very bad Christmas, which he just had."

As a boy in his native Oklahoma, Franks recalled fond memories of growing up in rural America. "There are the pleasures of a stock pond and bullfrogs … The pleasures of learning to ride a horse ... The smell of dirt," he said.

"We [in the military and farmers] have similar backgrounds – we’re in a family business." Franks reminded Farm Bureau members of the important role farmers and ranchers play in the national security effort.

"Through the power of an organization like (Farm Bureau), our kids and grandkids can look forward to the next 225 years," Franks said. "You are the backbone of America."

CAPTION: Retired U.S. Army Gen. Tommy Franks speaks to more than 7,000 at the AFBF annual meeting in Honolulu. Photo by Galen Ludwick.