I have just returned home from attending the Honor Coin Ceremony at USNA with the Class of 2014. I am still on a feel good high that I haven't experienced in along time. It was so much more than I expected. Gordy's talk was absolutely outstanding and inspiring; it was clear, concise and easily understandable for all, young and old. It was the straightforward bedrock ethics and morals that we cherish. The Mids were listening and were understanding what he said. He received a long standing ovation. My conversations with the Plebes afterwards as we handed out the coins confirmed my belief that they had taken it in and understood their overarching charge. They were so serious. And the cheers for 64 as some units marched off and back to the Hall stunned me. The evening restored my faith in the future of USNA and the Navy. I would like to suggest that Gordy's speech be put on our web site for all to read and appreciate. I personally would like to be able to refer to it in the future. I am so thankful that I attended.
Comments from Corky Graham.
Gordy you made us all proud. Your message was right on and the delivery was outstanding.
I also left on cloud nine. I was SO IMPRESSED with the way the Mids shook hands and looked at me in the eye as I handed out the coins. This is in contrast to the high school and middle school kids who I deal with at the Boys and Girls Clubs. These under-served boys and girls lack self esteem and have a difficult time introducing themselves properly. The Mids on the other hand have that self esteem and self confidence needed for the Naval Academy to develop them into the future leaders of our country. I am fortunate to attract a number of Mids as volunteers in my LET'S GO STEM program at the Boys and Girls Clubs . They are absolutely the best role models and tutors one could ask for. I am so proud of them after a session with them.
Wow, it is great being a Naval Academy alumnus and member of the great class of 1964!
Comments from Bob Timberg.
A stunning and important address by Gordie. You could have heard a pin drop. I've heard a lot of speeches and fell asleep in many of them, but not this one, not a chance. Congratulations, Gordie, you honored the class with your extraordinary effort and bestowed on the Class of 2014 a gift I believe they will never forget.
Comments from Cliff Burgess.
Let me add to the declarations of congratulations so well made by others. In addition, I was so very surprised that, after the coins were passed out, so many members of the Class of 2014 wanted to talk with us with specific questions on leadership and our experiences in our careers. Corky was so right in that these young men and women are not shy and seem very eager to learn about what lies ahead for them and seem equally concerned about how to succeed as leaders. It may well be that Gordy's message was already resonating with them. A wonderful experience for us to witness and share. I only wish more of our Great Class of 64 could have been there to see and experience it all.
Comments from Jerry Anderson.
Reading our classmate's comments, it is apparent that everyone in attendance left Alumni Hall last night with a special feeling of pride. The planning and Gordy's thoughtful and focused speech certainly played a large role. But I submit that it was the way that the Class of 2014 bought into the evening (along with the Commandant's help!) that really made it a special night.
Quite frankly, I think 2014 "got" the concept of ALITC. The idea of some graybeards 50 years their senior coming out to spend an evening with them as they embark on their joining with the Brigade resonated deeply with the great majority. They understood that those who have journeyed through the bulk of their productive years were there to give them an extra boost and encouragement as they begin their journey. Even the Commandant repeated how important tradition was as we defined who we are as graduates and future graduates of the Naval Academy.
Just as many of our classmates "got" the full significance of ALITC last night, the members of 2014 "got it" even better.
Comments from Ms. Noreen Frenaye of the Alumni Association.
When I left, the plebes were in the parking lot lining up to march back to Bancroft. As one of the companies starting marching, someone shouted out in that familiar cadence style… ooo rah Class of 1964 and of course this was followed by the entire company repeating it twice! I thought that was great!