America will prevail. That was the message former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge delivered to thousands of veterans at the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention in the Salt Palace Monday.

"History has recorded that when America is challenged, we do not shrink from the challenge," Ridge said. "Americans do not and will not live in fear; we live in freedom and we will never let that freedom go."

Ridge was also presented the VFW Dwight D. Eisenhower Distinguished Service Award in honor of his military and civil service.

"Someone once said Eisenhower was the embodiment of the reasonable patriot," Ridge said. "He found no glory in war and understood clearly that we are all called to serve as long as we call ourselves free."

Ridge told the group that America would prevail as it always has.

During the Cold War the country tried to be ever prepared but made the most of its freedoms. And in spite of that threat the United States built the strongest economy in the world, said Ridge. He said the same will be true today.

He said as secretary of Homeland Security he saw a nation that went from unprecedented grief to unprecedented guard.

"We began to fight against our newest enemy. We went to work all the while maintaining the way of life, liberty and opportunity that has come to be called America," Ridge said. "We have demonstrated again we are resilient, we are innovative, we are focused and we are resolved."

He said the United States took the battle to the terrorists, struck them in their safe havens and immediately began to bolster and build security and worked to reduce vulnerabilities.

"As a result our nation is safer and more secure than it has been at any time in history — there is more work to do, but America will get it done," said Ridge.

He also urged members to support the troops despite political differences.

"Differences of opinion have existed ever since a group of individuals decided to break free from an empire ruled by a king," Ridge said. "But let us each support the men and women in combat and pray for their comfort and safe return.

"Many of you carry scars that are a constant reminder that freedom isn't free, and many have paid the ultimate price," Ridge said. "We will never forget that, and we vow never to to let terrorists destroy what you have built with your courage — the greatest, most treasured place to call home, the United States of America."

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