(Jim Cole / AP Photo)

ROCHESTER, N.H. - Texas Gov. Rick Perry commemorated the life of James Foley, the American journalist brutally murdered by ISIS, in his New Hampshire hometown today, merely miles from where Foley's parents live.

"This young man personified what courage is all about. He showed us sacrificial service. He went into dangerous parts of the world to shine a bright light into dark places," Perry said. "It is a very important job that James Foley was engaged in.

"We all collectively mourn his death and all America stands with the people of New Hampshire in remembering this hero," Perry added. "It's times like these that we're reminded that we're not Republicans nor are we Democrats. We are Americans."

The Heartbreaking Message Foley Managed to Get to His Family

World 'Appalled' by James Foley Beheading, Obama Says

Rick Perry Doesn't 'Really Understand the Details' of Indictment

Perry mentioned Foley at each stop on his two-day tour of New Hampshire. He told reporters that he did not meet with the Foley family, out of respect their privacy, but he did speak with some of their friends. The Texas governor noted that there is another missing journalist whose family is from Texas - Austin Tice.

"Keep them in your prayers," Perry said.

Perry's comments came at the Defend Freedom Pork Roast, hosted by the Concerned Veterans For America, where the governor posed for pictures in front of a giant roasting pig and thanked veterans for their service. As he smiled for cameras, Perry even said, "Make sure you see our pig."

Speaking to reporters after the event, Perry tried to defend his statement from Friday when he said he didn't know "the details" of his indictment.

"I made the statement that I don't know if I have my arms around or talked about that I don't know if I understand all the intricacies. That's why I have a legal team, and I would refer you to that legal team to ask those types of detailed questions," Perry said.