Ode to the Soldiers and the Graduates

Sage Hall, Johnson School of Business, Cornell University

McGraw Tower, Cornell University, host to 21 bells, 3 concerts per day Chimemasters

'I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.'

Ezra Cornell, 1868 , Ithaca NY

Cayuga Lake, longest (38 mile) finger lake. Farewell, Ithaca!

Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, commemorates those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for Freedom. It was first observed on 30 May, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., with flowers placed at Union and Confederate soldiers' graves. As time marched on, the significance of this day was lost on many of us and it took a Declaration by Congress in 2000 to pass the National Moment of Remembrance so that 'at 3 PM all Americans voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence...'

It truly is the least we can do.

I will make a sincere effort to appreciate these unseen and unknown souls as I celebrate my son's graduation from college. The emotions will take hold and flood my being for the swift passage of time, the pride of accomplishment, the selfless sacrifices made. For it is because of these unsung heroes who have gone before us that we have the freedom to live our lives. As Reverend William Havard (1889-1956) so eloquently said: 'The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children.'

Pay homage. Be grateful. For 'there is just one life for each of us' (Euripides, 480-406 BC) and though we cannot direct the wind, we can adjust the sails. Good luck, Good life and God Bless!

Justin, we are so very proud of you. Your future is in good hands; your own.