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.
This was no small feat on her part! You must be prouder than words can say. Did this part give you the shivers — “Whispering they were told ‘Physician, step forward’”? Add the Marine Band and this is the stuff of serious parental choking up.
D.C. is very nice, isn’t it? I lived in the area for nine years and it was nothing like I had imagined. I loved it.
My daughter starts pharmacy school in August and will have her doctorate in four years. I know I’ll be bawling like a baby when she walks across the stage. Maybe I can ping you for advice on keeping my act together in public.
Con-grad-ulations! What will she do her residency in? Hate to tell you, but she probably still has another 3 years to go and maybe a 4th with a fellowship.
Hearty congratulations to you, your family, and your daughter, and best of luck to her as she begins her career. And please, thank her for her service to her fellow man, and to our country.
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