Return to Pointer View home page

June 4, 2004

Cool temps, warm reception greet Rumsfeld

By Irene Brown
Editor

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld addresses the crowd Saturday during graduation exercises at Michie Stadium. SPC. Eric S. Bartelt/PV

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld gave the commencement address Saturday to 935 West Point firsties and thousands of family, friends and spectators at Michie Stadium here.

Although the day brought cooler than normal temperatures, Rumsfeld received a warm reception from the graduation crowd. After a lighthearted moment of telling them President Bush was granting amnesty to minor offenders in the Corps, the defense secretary reminded all about the challenging days ahead.

“History may call upon you at a critical time, at a critical moment, and you will be prepared,” Rumsfeld said.

Rumsfeld spoke about  another West Point graduate called to serve: 1st Lt. K.C. Hughes, a member of the Class of 2001. Hughes, he said, was probably sitting in one of these chairs in 2001, pondering his future. Fast forward to Iraq, Rumsfeld added.

Rumsfeld shakes the hand of a member of the Class of 2004. Vin Guariglia/DOIM

“Hughes was shot in the back and shoulder in Iraq, but refused to accept medical attention until his Soldiers had received care,” Rumsfeld explained. The Army awarded Hughes the Bronze Star.

“The civilized world will win the war against terrorism because of people like Hughes and because of people like you,” Rumsfeld said. He also urged the graduates to get to know the Soldiers who will soon be in their care.

“Take good care of them, lead and respect them,” Rumsfeld said. “Your love for Soldiers must be as unconditional as it is for your own families.

“Use the skills you learned here to bring out the best in them, including respect for others,” he added.

The defense secretary also reminded the graduates of their obligation to live up to the motto: Duty, Honor, Country.

“Today, the duty to defend freedom falls to you,” Rumsfeld said. “It will take you across the globe as well; and it will call upon you to live the lessons that you’ve learned here at the academy.

“I know that you will answer that call with courage and the spirit that is America. We are counting on you. Serve our nation well,” he added.