:21:02
but memories.
:21:04
It is the decision of the board of trustees
in their wisdom that this institution be sold
:21:11
and the land developed
for its real estate potential.
:21:17
In order to allow
the incoming seniors to graduate
:21:20
and the underclassmen
to seek enrolment elsewhere,
:21:25
the board has graciously extended
the date of termination for one year.
:21:32
One year.
:21:36
I stand here today with you
:21:38
and look out over these young men
:21:42
and of course I am reminded of other
commencement days and other young men,
:21:46
men of courage and conviction,
:21:49
men who have given everything.
:21:52
In Mexico.
In the great catastrophe of the Civil War.
:21:56
In Flanders and the Argonne.
:21:59
In the jungles of the Philippines
and on Omaha Beach.
:22:02
In the snows of Bastogne,
in the Mekong Delta
:22:06
and at the siege of Khe Sanh.
:22:11
How, then,
can others say this land is for sale?
:22:17
It has been purchased and paid for
:22:22
with the blood of our graduates.
:22:27
I am a veteran of many terrible battles.
:22:32
But no battle is more important than this one,
and this final battle I intend to win.
:22:38
We have a year.
:22:40
Entire wars have been won in less time.
:22:45
Men of the corps,
so long as breath and spirit remain,
:22:48
we must fight to preserve this academy
:22:55
so that the traditions that were born here
may endure here.