It is truly a pleasure to take part in this event. Leon County is proud to have STOMP and SWAT as a part of our team as we join this community’s effort to stamp out teen smoking.

So many of the diseases that we have been fighting against for years are the result of tobacco. Cancer and heart disease are claiming the lives of an increasing number of Floridians. Only a few weeks ago I and a group of our staff and friends of the Leon County Commission joined together with thousands of other organizations to participate in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, where we spent 24 hours running, walking, and dragging ourselves (laughter) around the Leon High School track to fight one of our world’s largest enemies, cancer. Among the teams of supporters of the fight against cancer on that day were several hundred survivors, who I looked at with great admiration, for their strength and courage. Right now, Leon County is raising money for the TWOGETHER for Life Campaign to again assist the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association in the fight against cancer and heart disease. Because none of us has a clue if or when such disease may strike us, I consider it a personal privilege to participate and contribute in anyway possible to help others who are trying to survive these deadly diseases.

One main thing that excites me about STOMP and SWAT, though, is that unlike programs that have been created to make people well, this program is proactive - in its efforts to keep young people from the habits that lead to these dangerous illnesses and subsequent death.

Your participation with this effort will help with prevention of serious illness, and save countless lives.

With the unveiling of the outstanding artwork that has been prepared in commemoration of this cause, will come the unfolding of a priceless message to young people in our community:

To have a greater respect for life, and honor our health by refusing to do what we know can harm and even kill us.

To Marty Jaron, all our young people, and all others here who are playing a part in the fight against the harmful effects of tobacco, I salute you for for your tenacity, and for the courage you show in your willingness to fight a giant. I and the Board of County Commissioners wish you much success and that your effort will catch fire all over our great state and country.