Leon Panetta Returns to Pentagon for Official Portrait
Published at
Alex Wong/Getty Images(ARLINGTON, Va.) — Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta returned to the Pentagon Thursday for the unveiling of his official portrait. And he brought along his dog Bravo, who is also included in the portrait.
Speaking to an audience in the Pentagon Courtyard, Panetta explained he had included Bravo in the portrait because he too had enjoyed his time at the Pentagon.
“Bravo truly loved the Pentagon, particularly the parade field, and he left his mark there,” he joked.
But Panetta said the most important reason to include Bravo was because of the smile it will bring to people’s faces “in a town that doesn’t have a lot of smiles.”
He said that smile will serve as a reminder that with all of the global flashpoints and concerns, the U.S. still has the world’s strongest military. He also said Bravo has been his loyal friend and his presence in the portrait will be a reminder of the loyalty those in the military have to each other and to their country.
Panetta said his proudest moment as defense secretary was being “able to open up opportunities for everyone to be able to serve their nation.” It was Panetta who lifted the restrictions on women serving in combat units, a process that is to be completed in January.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.