2015 Keeper of the Flame: Center Celebrates Sen. Jeff Sessions and Adm. James ‘Ace’ Lyons

(Washington, D.C.): Last night, the Center for Security Policy honored two of the Nation’s most extraordinary patriots at its 26th annual “Keeper of the Flame” event at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Postal Museum. Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama was recognized as the 2015 Keeper of the Flame and Admiral James A. “Ace” Lyons, U.S. Navy (Ret.) with the Freedom Shield Award.

Senator Sessions was introduced by the 2004 Keeper of the Flame, former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl who warmly lauded his long-time colleague and close friend from Alabama for years of service to our country, notably as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney, Attorney General of Alabama and United States Senator.  Sen. Kyl thanked Sen. Sessions for his leadership on issues of great importance to the national security as a senior and influential member of the Senate’s Armed Services, Judiciary and Environment and Public Works Committees and, in the past, as the ranking member of its Budget Committee.

A hearty congratulatory statement by former Secretary of the Navy – and previous recipient of the Center’s Freedom Flame Award – John F. Lehman, Jr. was complemented by introductory remarks by one of America’s most storied warriors, Lieutenant General William G. “Jerry” Boykin, U.S. Army (Ret.)  Adm. Lyons was recognized for his great – and ongoing – contributions – to the common defense that include his extraordinary 36-year naval career, in which he rose through the ranks from merchant marine seaman to four-star admiral, and his outspoken advocacy of the practice of peace through strength.  The Center is honored to have Adm. Lyons as the Chairman of its Military Committee.

Both of the honorees spoke movingly about the challenges facing America and the necessity of rising to them, lest our children and grandchildren confront even more daunting perils in the future.

Center President Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. observed:

“Sen. Sessions and Adm. Lyons are two of the most extraordinary men in public life today.  Their devotion to liberty, love of country and fearless and ceaseless vigilant defense of both against all enemies, foreign and domestic, are truly exemplary.  The Center is proud to support them in their respective efforts to preserve our constitutional republic and the armed forces that are its bulwark in a time of great and growing danger.”