My wife I and send our warmest congratulations to the parents of the
Class of 2001 as you and your Cadet look forward to grand and glorious
Grad Week.
You have come a long way. Do you remember R-Day and how it seemed
the next four years would be forever, the pangs you felt seeing your
"New Cadet" march out onto the Plain late that afternoon
and the other roller coaster emotions you have experienced from then
until now? You survived CBT, Plebe year, celebrated the passing of
Yearling Physics (or whatever course was a special challenge to be
overcome that year). Next came the first day of class Cow year when
crossing the threshold meant commitment, choosing the ring and the
Cow Loan. Firstie year began on the high note of Ring Weekend, followed
by 100th Night festivities the end of February and now in a few short
weeks THE day will arrive. There are countless personal stories of
highs and lows, of joys and sorrows which you and your Cadet have
experienced together over these past almost 47 months of The West
Point Experience. The roller coaster is climbing the last major incline
and soon you will be poised at the summit awaiting the rush and euphoria
of Grad Week to overtake you.
Enjoy every moment of it, take plenty of film and video tapes, as
well as tissues for the tears of joy and pride you will feel well
within yourselves as you watch the graduation parade, listen to the
Alma Mater and The Corps, and then finally watch your son or daughter
receive that long awaited USMA diploma. Stand tall right along with
the Class of 2001 as they take the Oath. Your heart and soul will
soar along with those white hats as the new graduates jubilantly toss
them into the air. It is not just a day of celebration for your Cadet/new
2LT. It is your day as well. You have raised your son or daughter
to be a responsible, dedicated and honorable young adult who is willing
to serve this great Nation of ours as a leader of character for a
lifetime. The bedrock values of Duty, Honor, Country were taught and
instilled into your son or daughter before they arrived at West Point.
These young men and women, whom you have raised, will soon join the
Long Gray Line. They are indeed the treasure of the Nation.
The three years since we experienced graduation week activities have
been filled with new and exciting experiences for us as parents of
a young Armor officer. This year the end of May will bring yet another
milestone for him and us. On May 27th, just a few days shy of the
anniversary date of his graduation in May 1998, our son will be getting
married.
To each of you we send our best wishes for a wonderful, meaningful,
memory filled Graduation Week.
Rick
and Sue Due
Parents of 1LT Jonathan L. Due, Armor
USMA, 1998
GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!
