Oct. 25
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- I just had the most awesome experience speaking to the National FFA convention, featuring youngsters from all over America. There were 38,000 gathered over two sessions at Freedom Hall, 19,000 in the morning and 19,000 for the early afternoon speech.

I was in absolute awe as I tried to share with the youngsters the need to have goals and desires, chasing their dreams and never believing in the word "can't." They really responded in a positive way; their response gave me goose bumps. It was very special to me.

Because of young people like this, no terrorist is going to win the battle against our nation.

Because of young people like this, no terrorist is going to win the battle against our nation. America is filled with youngsters who possess great leadership skills and abilities that make them unique and special. These are the future leaders of America.

These youngsters are what our nation is all about. They want to be successful in the field of their choice, be it science, technology, agriculture, business ...

It was a day I will always cherish.

I do have to talk about hoops, too. Louisville is Rick Pitino country, and Freedom Hall is a place filled with tradition. Pitino is ready to start his own tradition with the Cardinals. Freshman Carlos Hurt is going to help Louisville right away. Things won't come easy; Conference USA is very competitive with the likes of Memphis, Cincinnati, Charlotte and South Florida.

Because of youngsters like the ones I spoke to, we have the greatest nation of all. This is what makes America so special -- you can make it in life if you have a goal and a game plan and pursue it to the best of your ability.

If you can look yourself in the mirror and know you've given your best, you know you're a winner. I saw a lot of winners in Freedom Hall.

Editor's Note: The National FFA was formerly known as the Future Farmers of America.