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Defense Secretary Lauds Graduates Of West Point for Joining After 9/11
Washington Post ^ | 5/24/09 | Michael Hill (AP)

Posted on 05/24/2009 2:24:08 PM PDT by jdfromny

Cadets graduating from West Point were praised by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on Saturday for having the courage and patriotism to join the military in "a dangerous new century."

Gates noted that the 970 members of the U.S. Military Academy's class of 2009 were preparing their West Point applications in late 2004, even as American forces were battling fiercely in Fallujah in Iraq.

"You made your decision to serve knowing not only that America was at war, as did every man or woman who joined the military after September 11, but that this war would be bloody and difficult, of indefinite length and uncertain outcome," Gates told cadets. "In doing so, you showed courage, commitment and patriotism of the highest order."

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...


TOPICS: Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: 2009commencements; bhodod; gates; secdef; usma; westpoint
Count my daughter as one of those commissioned yesterday. She was filling out her application while stationed in Diyala Province, Iraq.

I know Gates has a lot of detractors here, but the speech was pretty good.

1 posted on 05/24/2009 2:24:08 PM PDT by jdfromny
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To: jdfromny

He is still a whore, building his reputation by sucking up to political masters rather than seeking the truth.


2 posted on 05/24/2009 2:27:40 PM PDT by Mr Rogers (I loathe the ground he slithers on!)
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To: Mr Rogers

IMO, absolutely no one attached to Zero in any shape or form has my respect. It makes me ill that any of them are addressing our troops in any way whatsoever. It’s a national disgrace. You can bet American patriots in Arlington and world over are turning in their graves including Reagan.


3 posted on 05/24/2009 2:41:02 PM PDT by ExTexasRedhead
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To: jdfromny

Congratulations! You must be very proud.


4 posted on 05/24/2009 3:11:39 PM PDT by Huskrrrr
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To: jdfromny
Obama praises those who joined after 911, because he assumed that evemt would discourage them from joining the military!

Obama, they joined Because of 911. You just don't understand Love of Country and Patriotism!

We know why!!

5 posted on 05/24/2009 3:31:24 PM PDT by HardStarboard ("The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule - Mencken knew Obama)
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To: Huskrrrr

Yes, thanks!!!


6 posted on 05/24/2009 4:52:12 PM PDT by jdfromny (At what point are we officially "North Americans"?)
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To: jdfromny

Congratulations to your Daughter and you for obviously being a great Parent!


7 posted on 05/24/2009 6:40:39 PM PDT by OCC
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To: ExTexasRedhead
I will admit I am kind of torn regarding this opinion. Although people may not like the current administration perhaps Gates feel he can do more good inside of it than resigning. After all, you had men like David serving in the Babaloyian Court where God was able to do great things with them.
8 posted on 05/27/2009 7:44:43 AM PDT by chargers fan
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To: OCC

Both times Gates spoke to the cadets he made the point that he saw them as his sons and daughters and made every decision from that perspective. That meant a lot.


9 posted on 05/27/2009 7:45:35 AM PDT by chargers fan
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