Kansas Responds to War

     Every so often, we, as Americans, are called on to unite behind our young men and women who put themselves in harm's way to defend freedom. Over the past century, our nation has time and again shouldered the burden of defending human liberty when it is threatened.

     Although our nation is engaged in a war that is being fought on the other side of the globe, we feel its effects here in Kansas. We must be vigilant to threats here at home. The events of September 11 showed us now and forever that we can no longer take our security for granted, but must protect it every hour of every day.

     As your governor, I want you to know that we are taking every possible step to protect Kansans in every corner of the state. In accordance with increased levels of alert, I increased the activity and visibility of the National Guard and Highway Patrol, paying special attention to important locations in the state, such as public buildings, and power plants. And, now, with the lower level of Security, we are continuing to monitor our vast agricultural resources, including our crops and our livestock, to ensure they remain productive and secure. And we need our public health systems to stand ready to respond.

     Kansans should not take these steps as cause for alarm, but rather as prudent steps in a time of war. I have been briefed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, and have been assured that currently there are no specific threats to Kansas. We have no particular reason to believe we are in danger. But we must always be vigilant and prepared. I call on all Kansans to be aware of their surroundings, to report suspicious activities, and to fully cooperate with law enforcement officers as they perform their important additional duties.

     But most of all, I call on all Kansans to stand united with the rest of the country and with freedom-loving people everywhere. Let us keep our troops and each other in our prayers. Together, we will see our way through today's challenges. And, someday soon, I pray that all people, in every nation, will know the blessings of liberty.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius
May 2003