Memorial Day and Commencement: Honoring the Past and Future of America

Last Thursday was commencement day at Harvard. I donned crimson robes and participated in the pomp and circumstance of the day, and was enormously impressed as I listened to the litany of awards and accomplishments accumulated by the graduates. I was reminded - as were people at commencement ceremonies across the nation - that the youth of this country possess great talent, intellect, and drive. America has a tremendous natural resource in its youth.
Flash forward to today. Memorial Day is our national day of gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This day is a way of officially saying "thank you" to those Americans who have died to protect our freedoms and our way of life. Most of those who have given their lives have been young - about the same age as the college grads who are currently celebrating their commencement.
Unfortunately, it seems to have become fashionable in some circles to devalue the American way of life - the very concept that so many whom we honor today have sacrificed their lives to save. In an age of growing internationalism, it is "cool" on many college campuses to denigrate American patriotism and values. I recently overheard a student discussion that focused on American imperialism, American materialism and greed, American obesity, the emphasis on sex in American, the embracing of the American "gangsta" culture - all indicators, according to the discussants, of the rightful "fall" of the supremacy of America.
This discussion failed to mention the foundational American values - including individual freedoms such as freedom of speech and the press, freedom to travel and live wherever we choose, freedom to choose and practice our religion, freedom to choose a profession rather than having it chosen for us, equal opportunities for women and minorities, and the freedom to choose and replace our government leaders. These freedoms and rights do not exist in much of the world currently. I can only assume that the students I overheard had so taken for granted these American freedoms and values that they failed to consider them in their discussion of the "rightful ‘fall'" of American supremacy.
The rise in internationalism should be cause for emerging and developing nations to increase their standard of living and the freedoms afforded to their citizens. The model for a successful and prosperous international society is demonstrated by the American model of freedom and prosperity. This model has been made possible by the sacrifice of the many thousands of men and women that we honor today. It is in the world's best interest that America - as a model of freedom and opportunity - remain strong. Remaining strong exacts a cost - and those who pay the cost are honored today.
If I could give one piece of advice to the recent graduates across America, it would be this: You are embarking on a great adventure. Take your unique and individual talents out into the world and make your personal contribution. But don't forget that your ability to do so has come at a price. Don't take your freedom to make your own choices for granted. Please, as you celebrate your commencement, take a few minutes to honor and remember those who have paid the price for your future opportunities.