Posted on 05/21/2008 3:27:33 PM PDT by steveo
We just got back from the graduation ceremony for the 2008 class from USU (The Uniform Services University {for health sciences}).
My kid is now a M.D. The same kid that lost her lunchboxes, forgot books needed for homework, and kept a half full Thermos of rotten milk over Easter vacation. She’s now ready to heal. She has changed immensely, it’s interesting to me when she looks at me with her ‘Doctor Eyes’ when she says “howz it going dad?”
Their graduation ceremony was held at the “Daughters of the American Revolution” hall in Washington D.C.. The Marine Corps band provided the ceremonial music and everyone was dressed for the occasion. As the ceremony began the Color Guard walked to the front of the stage and flawlessly played our National Anthem. Unlike sporting events when the Anthem ended, there was complete silence.
Hundreds and hundreds of family members came together, each to witness their loved one have a green hood placed around their necks. Equal applause for the first to the last was given to all. I have never been in presence of so many people smarter and more dedicated than me.
As their names were voiced, they bent down, were hooded by two faculty members. Whispering they were told ‘Physician, step forward’, they received their diploma, were photographed and then left the stage. As the graduates filed back into the hall by row, they were in their dress uniforms. One of the graduates was hooded by her father, who was in the original graduating class.
These military officers will travel to points all over the globe to fulfill the school’s motto: “"Learning to Care for Those in Harm's Way”. They do it for less money than they would receive in the real world. Many expect it to be their life’s work, which makes it more awesome.
Towards the end the graduates and faculty rose to give applause and thanks to the parents for our guidance. All affirmed their Hippocratic Oath and their Commissioning Oath for their individual branch of the services.
As they filed out the Marine Band played “Stars and Stripe Forever”. At that point I don’t think I could be a prouder American or parent.
ping for you.
Good for you and your daughter! Lots of newly minted sheepskin-holders headed off to the french fry vats about this time of year; always good to see a young ‘un that done well.
Congratulations!
Congrats to your family!
Great post!
Congratulations. You should be bursting with pride.
You are right on with your observations about our Nation’s Capital. I was stationed there in 1962, and have visited at least once a year since. Always awe inspiring.
Wouldn’t want to live there, however. The traffic is insane.
Congratulations!
congrats
WOW!
Congratulations! I hope your daughter has a stunning career!
Sincere congratulations, steveo.
Congratulations! And thanks for posting those great pictures.
I will remember your words and pride as my DD forgets her homework, loses her school snacks, and hides dog biscuits under her pillow.
Congratulations. I know just how proud you must feel. Went through with the kids, and now grandkids.
Congratulations to you and your daughter.
Congrats — and please welcome my colleague to the healing profession and the oath of Hippocrates — you must be extraordinarily proud.
Kudos to your daughter and you steveo. My own daughter makes me proud to be a grandpa.
Most excellent and rightful excuse for a vanity! :-)
What branch of service? Is there a plan already for where she’s going? Pardon my ignorance of how this works but is there some sort of “residency” or such that graduates go through?
Giggle. You probably meant to send this to steveo.
This gives me hope! ;)
Congratulations, and thank you for posting!
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