Class of '44
How cool is this?
For a handful of seniors from the Lincoln High School Class of 1944, the term took on a different meaning at graduation Sunday at the school's fieldhouse.After 60 years -on the anniversary of D-Day and their original high school graduation, members of the class got to do something they hadn't done six decades earlier. They had enlisted in the army, and although they had earned the right to graduate, they could not be at the school to participate in the ceremony.
I'm proud to claim two of the 14 "new" graduates as uncles. Bob fought with the Marines in Pelileu and Guadalcanal, while Jim served on a landing craft crew in the Pacific.
Why did it take so long for WWII to get their due? It took nearly 60 years for a Memorial and 60 years for someone to figure out that these guys deserved a graduation ceremony. I'm inclined to blame it on baby boomers, most of whom can't be bothered to think about anything other than the 60s and themselves. Now, as other generations get more political power, things are changing. I especially like the reactions of the Class of 2004 graduates:
While the veterans were more than appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the ceremony, members of the Class of 2004 felt equally honored to escort the class to the podium."(I'm) very much honored to serve as an escort," said Alex Wilkes, 18, of Wisconsin Rapids. He said the veterans served our country, and put their lives on the line for Americans, and this was just a small way to show appreciation.
I hope these kids can hold on to their values and aren't too corrupted by their commie Professors next year.
Posted by at June 12, 2004 10:54 PM
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| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
That's really awsome. I'm glad they got to do that. :) |