General remarks

This is graduation time everywhere, but in little Lexington, there are actually three academic graduations. First comes the Washington and Lee Law School, next the Virginia Military Institute, and finally the W&L college graduation.

Last weekend we attended our first VMI graduation. Two firstclassmen whom we have known well in the past year invited us, and--what is more critical--gave us tickets to the event, held in Cameron Hall, the VMI sports arena. We had great seats and could see--without binoculars--not only the military pomp and circumstance, but especially the main speaker, General David Patraeus, who received a standing ovation as he entered the hall. His remarks were, of course, both clever and challenging. But in particular, this word of advice stands out, "If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you!"