Political Quotes

“this month, Mississippi said farewell to Col. Carlyle ``Smitty'' Harris--a war hero, a family man, and a community leader who left a storied legacy. Many Mississippians know the story of Colonel Harris. In April 1965, during a mission over North Vietnam, Colonel Harris' F-105 was shot down by enemy artillery. He became the sixth American prisoner of war in that conflict and would spend nearly 8 years in captivity. Colonel Harris approached imprisonment with courage and resilience. He introduced his fellow POWs to the now-famous ``Tap Code,'' which allowed them to communicate with one another. His ingenuity helped sustain morale amid vile prison conditions. Colonel Harris maintained a sharp mind during and after his military deployment. He was committed to a lifetime of learning and had a resume to prove it. While serving on the faculty of the Air War College, he completed two degrees. He continued his education at the University of Mississippi Law School and returned to the classroom several years later for a degree in banking. Colonel Harris had a demanding work schedule, but he made time to volunteer. He approached numerous local leadership roles with the same dedication he gave to his Air Force and civilian careers. For years, he committed much of his spare time to philanthropic causes, including the Tupelo Rotary Club, the North Mississippi Medical Center, and the Boys and Girls Club.”