On May 7, 2004, America lost an icon. California lost a Senator. I lost a friend.
Senator William J. “Pete” Knight lost his battle with leukemia. The decorated 32-year Air Force Colonel flew over two hundred missions in Vietnam and survived. It is amazing how a man could look danger in the eye and prevail, but succumb to disease.
Senator Knight was a straightforward, solid American. Always the gentleman staying strong to his beliefs. I would call him fearless. Senator Knight was a strong conservative who fought hard for his district and served his constituents well.
Senator Knight’s dedication and desire to serve the people is unmatched. He was elected to the Palmdale City Council in 1984 and served for four years before being elected mayor. His service did not stop in Palmdale. He next was elected to the California state Assembly in 1992 where he spent four years. He then was elected to the Senate and served eight honorable years.
His anti-tax, pro-job and pro-family stance provided me the leadership and wisdom I needed as a freshman senator. His rapier wit coupled with his love for his country made him an amazing role model.
An example of his achievements are honored today. As a fighter pilot, Senator Knight flew an X-15 research rocket at a speed of 4,520 miles per hour – Mach 6.7. Pete is the fastest man in the world. Still. Look in the Guinness Book of World Records, and you will see Pete Knight.
A decorated veteran, Senator Knight was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross along with the Legion of Merit. To say the least, Pete was extraordinary, yet modest. In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded Pete the Harmon International Aviators Trophy.
His many accomplishments, awards and trophies do not even measure up to the superhuman person Pete Knight was. Amazing? Absolutely. But so was Colonel Knight. An American hero and a tireless fighter for what he believed in. Rest in peace, my friend.
Jeff Denham, R-Merced, represents the 12th Senate District, which includes San Benito County. The California Senate held a memorial ceremony for Senator Pete Knight on Monday.
