Til Duty is Done

And So It Begins...       

-original by Diane Sullivan c. 1997

All hail to the class of two thousand and one,
 With the motto they've chosen, "Til Duty Is Done".
 They've picked up the mantle that was worn through the years
 By the Long Grey Line, through all struggles and fears.
 With respect for the past, hope for the future,
 And a sprinkling of humor completing the picture.

We know they'll perform all their duties with pride,
 Laying their personal freedoms aside,
 So that all those who choose can live free in the knowledge
 That they've learned more than just scholastic skills in their college.

We all can sleep safely, secure and aware
 That they'll stick to their posts and take more than their share
 Of duty, responsibility, action, and care
 For any who can't help themselves anywhere.

In a world filled with cynics and doubters and pain,
 Our sons and our daughters don't have to explain
 Why they do what they do in their understated way
 To help make the earth a little safer today.

A Tribute to the Best of the Best

Graduation 2001

        -original by Diane Sullivan c. 2001

Four years... it seems like yesterday when this great ride began.
 It seemed a lot like Wendy going to the Never Land.
 Our sons and daughters swallowed hard and took that step alone
 Walked through the mass, out to the bus, into the great unknown.

They've reached and grown, expanded all their capabilities.
 They never knew what they could do, but someone had the keys
 To unlock all their pride and power and give them confidence
 To soar with eagles, march with pride, and climb the highest fence.

Each generation goes a step beyond the one before.
 They learn the best from those ahead and take it one step more.
 We sent them off as children stretching out their brand new wings.
 They come back time and time again and show us all new things.

They've worked so hard to reach this goal, they've worried and they've fussed.
 They've helped each other help themselves, investing all their trust.
 How vast the knowledge, strength, and power they've built along the way.
 They've formed a team that's meant to last so far beyond today.

Yet underneath the bluster, the uniform, the drill
 We glimpse a tender, caring heart do service to God's will.
 The same ones who'll be fighting if they're ever called to war
 Will stop and care for children who were left with hearts so sore.

They're hard, they're tough, they're smart, they're cool, they're all that they can be.
 They carry all our hopes and dreams for the life of this country.
 No matter where they go from here, we know that they'll succeed
 Far beyond our proudest dreams, because they'll fill the need.