James Panetta Lays Out a Blueprint for Balancing Public Service and Family Life
In one of the highlights of the recent Salinas Valley Democratic Club dinner, James Panetta accepted a lifetime achievement award on behalf of his father, CIA Director Leon Panetta, and in a way that an appearance by Leon Panetta himself likely could not have done, James Panetta’s acceptance speech served as a model for those who would commit to a life of public service. He eloquently expressed Leon Panetta’s appreciation of the achievement award, but even more than this, James Panetta gave rare insight into the solid influences of his youth. With stories from his own life, James Panetta pointed to two of his father’s qualities, that of integrity and that of focus as two essential qualities of public service.
I’m sure that CIA Director Leon Panetta is proud of the Salinas Valley Democratic Club Achievement Award, but after listening to James Panetta’s acceptance speech, my guess is that no pride can match that of a father toward his son.
Please watch the video above to hear James Panetta’s moving comments in full. |
