To The Class Of 2008

Annapolis, Maryland

Friday, May 23, 2008

Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, distinguished guests, I am very pleased

to be here to personally offer my congratulations to the 2008 graduates.

Well done!

All of you have stood up to serve your country in a time of war.

When this Nation asks, who shall protect us, who will defend us during these

uncertain times, they need look no further than this generation of patriots that is known as

the Class of 2008.

I am reminded of the passage in Isaiah where the Lord is seeking followers, and

he asks: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah responds: “Here I am.

Send me.”

In like fashion, you have answered the call, and you have volunteered to

undertake a great and worthy endeavor.

From this moment of pride and satisfaction on, memories of your time as

Midshipmen will soften, deepen in color, and take on new meaning.

You will remember these grounds as the place that formed your character,

established lifetime bonds of friendship, and gave you the tools of leadership that will

shape your careers in the Navy and Marine Corps.

You will soon enough look back at—with no ordinary regret and nostalgia—the

years of rigor on the proving grounds of this magnificent institution.

But now your focus will shift to the new challenges before you.

You have not chosen an easy path.

You have not chosen a way of life that affords well-earned comforts and rest.

You have not chosen a profession sheltered from the dangers of war or from the

constant demands of a life at sea.

But in demonstrating your ability to lead others, to handle the unique stresses of

Academy life, and to master the naval arts, you have set a course that offers great promise

and rewards that few can claim.

In deciding to accept an appointment to the Naval Academy four years ago, you

made a decision at a young age to reach very high in life.

Today, as you enter the officer ranks of the United States Navy and United States

Marine Corps, your aim is higher still.

You serve at a time when terrorists make no secret of their goals.

We cannot say that we have not been warned.

From the beginning of recorded history, aggressors have exploited weakness, and

demonstrated the folly of nations who refuse to bear the burdens of their own defense.

We must remain strong, and we must fight back.

We must fight our terrorist enemies today—and deter potential future adversaries

through strength and preparedness.

You who take the oath to the Constitution as ensigns and second lieutenants now

join the finest, most capable fleet the world has ever known.

I am like other patriotic Americans on this day—we cannot help feeling very

proud of you, and I salute you all.

Donald C. Winter

Secretary of the Navy