Saturday at Cumberland University (Charlie Daiels Speech ) TN

This past Saturday, Hazel and myself were honored to receive an award at the commencement exercises at Cumberland University, a small school a few miles from our home in Lebanon, Tennessee, and I was asked to say a few words to the graduating class which I found to be respectful, attentive and appreciative.

As I feel that the remarks contain much of my philosophy toward professionalism and our nation, I would like to share them with any high school or college graduates who happen to be reading this column and also with my regular readers, in hopes that it will bring some street-level encouragement to those who are about to enter the real world of commerce and service.

To all who are responsible for bestowing this great honor on my wife and myself, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I have had the blessing of seeing a goodly part of this planet and have enjoyed it all and I love the United States of America from coast-to-coast and border-to-border and enjoy visiting all the places in our beautiful country, but when I think of home there's only one place on earth that fits that description and that's Wilson County Tennessee. My wife, my son and myself have truly found a home sweet home here.

This award is so special because it's being presented by the home folks. We will always remember this day, this honor and this graduating class. If you'll allow me, I would like to say a word to the class of 2008.

If you only read newspapers or watched news reports on television you would think that the world you're about to walk out into is a place of turmoil, teetering on the edge of financial Armageddon, with little hope, a calloused and jaded society where prejudice runs rampant and industry is faltering.

While I would admit that this country and this world has problems to deal with, there are rewards untold for those who would be bold enough and industrious enough to roll up their sleeves and help solve those problems.

The exponential growth of technology shows no signs of letting up. The genie is out of the bottle and the opportunities in that field are only limited by the extent of one's dreams.

The energy problem we face can and will be solved by energetic young minds who believe in the future and are not afraid to think outside the box.

This election cycle has seen the fall of race and gender taboos as either a woman or an African American will be the presidential candidate for a major political party for the first time in our history and have torn down barriers, and created a level playing field for those bold enough to pursue that course.

The near miraculous strides made in medicine in recent times are only the tip of the iceberg. The cure for cancer is out there somewhere waiting to be discovered by some restless, dynamic mind who is willing to expend the passion and the sweat equity to seek out it's hiding place.

Please don't let the newspaper headlines or television soundbites scare you. The opportunities are still there and the world always has a special place for those who are willing to march a couple of steps ahead of the crowd.

Do you want it badly enough to be the first one to get there and the last one to leave? Do you want it badly enough to work while everybody else is playing?

Now don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with forty-hours a week and a house in the suburbs. That's a wonderful way to spend your life if you so desire, but if you have a fire in your belly, if you can't handle the mundane, the ordinary, the run of the mill and you feel like there's something better out there for you, I hardily encourage you to go for it. To dream it and do it. To pursue it to the ends of the Earth and beyond if necessary, always believing and always reaching for your goal.

I left Wilmington, North Carolina fifty years ago with a guitar and a dream, and came to Nashville forty-one years ago with a twenty-dollar bill, a wife and baby and the clutch out of the car I was driving.

Through, and only through, the grace and blessings of Almighty God I fought the odds, ran the race and have been able to see dreams come true. I have been places and done things that I didn't even have the imagination to dream about fifty years ago.

Has it been challenging? Yes. Has it been easy? No. Would I do it all again? Absolutely.

Ladies and gentlemen I congratulate you for completing the race, for staying the course, for receiving the diplomas that you've worked so hard for.

Joined: Fri Nov 11th, 2005 Location: Kansas USA Posts: 21 Status: Offline Posted: Tue May 6th, 2008 02:48 am

Especially for a Fine Gentleman with a PHd from the University of Hard Knocks and the College of Life.

Act Not Upon What You "Feel" Act Upon What You Know, Believe and Think, Then Pray For Our Enemies and "Get Ready To Rumble And Put All Of God's Armor On!" Mustng959 Forum Member

Joined: Tue Dec 6th, 2005 Location: Tennessee USA Posts: 132 Status: Offline Posted: Tue May 6th, 2008 03:40 am

Quote Reply Very nice speech to the youth of Tennessee, Charlie! I have a daughter just down Hiway 231 from Lebanon at Middle Tennessee State. I get frustrated at some of the faculty there when she tells me stories of how liberalism has invaded our universities here in the South by the professors' rants and agendas. I, like you, believe America's best hope is in it's youth and their dreams of actually "doing something" about the problems we face instead of just crying "we need change". Those that actually embrace the honor and values that this nation was founded upon including a strong belief in the Lord, will "put her feet back on the paths of righteousness and then, God Bless America , Again! Last edited on Tue May 6th, 2008 03:40 am by Mustng959

____________________ Honoring those that have fought for our freedom My tribute to Heroes website ~ http://mustng959.photosite.com/ "Eagles Up" ~ http://www.eaglesup.us

Joined: Sun Oct 30th, 2005 Location: USA Posts: 410 Status: Offline Posted: Tue May 6th, 2008 05:20 am

Quote Reply Great message Charlie. I love graduation speeches, they are like spring, they gives hope that new things are happening and a fresh start is right around the corner. We are so proud of you and Miss Hazel. My Brother, this is certainly your year for awards. Its about dang time, thats MY opinion!

Jesus is Lord and God's still on the Throne! 46 dayz til Mt Juliet! Jerri Forum Member

Joined: Mon Oct 31st, 2005 Location: Posts: 54 Status: Offline Posted: Tue May 6th, 2008 09:48 pm

Quote Reply Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Daniels. You certainly deserve it all. Great speech said from the heart.

Joined: Sat Oct 29th, 2005 Location: Roanoke, Virginia USA Posts: 163 Status: Online Posted: Wed May 7th, 2008 01:42 am

Quote Reply It's good to have your home folk give you another award Charlie, although I think anywhere you lay your hat in America is home. That was a nice speech, wish I was there to hear it. I expect it will take hold to a good many who listened, thus producing some fine future citizens. And I'm glad they didn't leave out your bride. I've only met Miss Hazel once, but she's a dandy you lucky fella. Your witness for Christ shines, and that's one thing a really respect about you. It makes me ashamed of myself sometimes, and leads me to want to improve myself. Thanks for all you do.

Blind Man......that's a hint for your fan club party! Maybe I better start a thread on your message board. You'll probably get 150 different request!

Joined: Sat Jul 29th, 2006 Location: Posts: 1 Status: Offline Posted: Wed May 7th, 2008 03:07 am

Quote Reply Just recently my brother called, he is 5 years older than I am and we have not kept in as close touch as we might have if we didn't have half a country between us. At any rate, my birthday is in April while his is in February so instead of e-mails we make it a point to talk on the phone this time of year and catch up on each other's lives.

Admittedly his life has been far more exciting than mine, after all he is a retired Lt. Commander of the U.S. Navy and I am a retired chef. He has travelled the world while I have seen only the midwest, but be that as it may our grandchildren are becoming the more pressing portions of our conversations. As I read your present "soap box" I could not help but tell you my brother's latest brag. His granddaughter has just received a full ride scholarship to the U of Louisiana, awarded as a result of her accomplishments in music, mainly the french horn, though she plays guitar, keyboard, and several other instruments. In discussing her plans with him, she told grandpa how music will pay for school while she pursues a double major. Music and Pharmacology. Surprised my brother asked her why she wanted to be a pharmacist and she quietly explained how a doctorate in pharmacology will serve her well in pursuing research and helping to find a cure for cancer, or the solution to alzheimers or diabetes, or arthritis or maybe aids. Her doctorate in music will afford her the means to relax and enjoy her personal time, thus keeping her emotionally equipped to deal with the strain of her main goals.

My brother could not disguise the pride in his voice and I am sure many other families are enjoying the same kind of pride in the youth of this country. Regardless of our present state of affairs, with young folks like this we must get on our knees and Thank God ! There is HOPE! And just maybe Youth is not being wasted on the young, they seem to be able to show that Hope springs Eternal!

A speech all graduates should hear......

He is a great American

I am sorry all FReepers I forgot the N in Daniels and I did a poor job of editing.....Mod if you want to pull this go ahead, and Ii will clean it up and post again

Again, I am sorry

He is a great American.

3 posted on 05/08/2008 11:25:29 AM PDT by freekitty (Give me back my conservative vote.)

Bookmark

4 posted on 05/09/2008 8:47:40 AM PDT by DocRock (All they that TAKE the sword shall perish with the sword. Matthew 26:52 Gun grabbers beware.)

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