Commentary on USAF Academy Graduation-A Most Interesting Perspective
In a
message dated 08/13/1999
....A Canadian citizen --- named David Bly --- comments on his
son's graduation at USAF Academy.
His words were printed in the Calgary Canada Herald and then sent without
comment to the United States.
David Bly, Calgary Herald, COLORADO SPRINGS ---- The day Bill Clinton
came to the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, I stood,
cameras in hand, near a wall upon which was engraved the academy's code
of honor:
"We will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone
who does."
If only the U.S. president would wander past that wall, I thought....A
photo like that could ensure me a comfortable retirement.
Clinton and I were at the academy this month for the graduation of
the Class of 1999....he as commander-in-chief of the U.S. armed forces,
and I as the father of one of the 944 graduates. As my wife, Janet,
is a U.S. citizen, my children have their choice of citizenship.
Our son Brandon, wanting a career in aviation, applied to the air force
academy because there is no comparable opportunity anywhere in the world.
He graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering, was commissioned
as an air force officer and will begin training as a jet pilot next
spring.
Graduation from any university is an achievement worth celebrating.
At the USAFA, it's the culmination of four grueling years of study, training
and discipline. Some don't make it for physical, academic or emotional
reasons. A few decide, after two years, they would rather choose
another path.
Some are expelled for violating the honor code.
The USAFA rates high academically, but its aim is more than academics
strives to develop moral and ethical leadership. As cadets pursue
their degrees of choice, they are being trained to become air force officers.
Integrity and a high standard of conduct are expected.
We were not excited about the presidential visit. For us, it
was an annoyance.
Brandon's commissioning ceremony had to be moved to 5:45p.m., because
Clinton wanted to use the building where the commissioning was scheduled.
Later, we had to be in our stadium seats two hours before the graduation,
because of security.
For others, it was an insult.
I heard of retired air force officers who boycotted the graduation,
because they felt Clinton's participation, given Monica Lewinsky and other
scandals, detracted from the dignity of the event.
The air force academy is a military base, but it is also a popular tourist spot. Each day at noon, busloads of tourists arrive to watch 4,000 cadets line up and march to lunch in an elaborate parade that leaves the cadets only 15 minutes to eat. On the day Clinton came to town, some areas were closed as security was beefed up. Access was limited to those invited to the graduation. It would not have been a safe day to go skulking through the academy's forests with bird-watching binoculars.
As the stadium filled, helicopters pounded the air overhead. Entrance was through metal detectors. Handbags were searched. Snipers in battle dress patrolled the top tiers of the stadium. Sprinkled throughout the crowd were secret-service agents, easy to spot because they wore dark suits, sunglasses and earpieces. They spoke into their sleeves a lot and scanned the crowds constantly. There was nothing secret about them. Clinton's imminent entrance was announced. We stood. And we stood.
Eight minutes later, the president of the United States of America walked on to the football field and toward the podium. No explanation was given for why he kept 30,000 people waiting on their feet in the sun. As he walked under the crossed sabres of the honor guard, the applause was restrained and polite, but not enthusiastic. Around me, I heard comments about respecting the office, if not the man. No one jeered, but no one cheered.
As I watched the newly minted second lieutenants stand to salute their commander-in-chief, I wondered how many of them were thinking what I was thinking: "If Bill Clinton had been a cadet here, he would have been kicked out for lying and cheating."
Actually, he probably wouldn't have qualified for admission. To enter the academy, an applicant must first be nominated by a member of Congress.
This year, 8,800 applied for nomination and 2,148 qualified. Of those, 1,275 received appointments to the academy. They were chosen on the basis of such criteria as academics, athletics, citizenship and leadership......and moral character.
If Clinton was aware of the lukewarm reception, he didn't show it. He cracked his jokes, defended his actions in the Balkans and took personal credit for saving democracy as we know it.
As he announced he was sending 7,000 more troops to the Balkans, I heard more muttered comments about sending troops to a foreign country to distract attention from personal problems at home. His manner was smooth, but my American wife was not impressed. "I had hoped he would honor the graduates for their achievements," she said, "and acknowledge what they have been through to get this far. But it was just a political speech. He didn't uplift me or inspire me as I hoped someone in his position would."
Perhaps Clinton's advisers suggested he not talk too much about what the academy stood for. Perhaps they felt it would not be astute to talk about personal integrity and a high standard of conduct.
As a Canadian, I felt a little awkward amid the unabashed patriotism of the event, but as a father, I could not help being choked up at seeing 2LT Bly step forward, salute smartly and shake hands with the president. Never mind that this president had besmirched the office - my son and his comrades had every reason to stand tall.
The applause became thunderous as the graduates came to attention at the order of the academy's commanding officer. Clinton was forgotten as cadets and their families realized this was the end of a long, hard journey. It was an intoxicating moment when the superintendent barked: "Class of 1999 dismissed!"
As nearly a thousand white hats were flung into the air, the Thunderbirds, the U.S. air force's aerobatic team, roared over the stadium in salute.
Youngsters spilled onto the field to collect the hats as souvenirs, and families and friends milled about. There was much hugging and laughter and celebrating. I looked beyond the turmoil. The presidential cavalcade, which had arrived with much fanfare, was quietly leaving the stadium.
Few noticed. No one applauded. After all, it wasn't about a president who had lied and cheated. It was about 944 young men and women who hadn't.
(Richard Grebenstein)