43 Comments

I had to ask, as I began reading the first few lines, “just who did speak at my college graduation?” Then, with a smile and a wink to myself, I suddenly realized, it was you. Dan Rather!

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Thank's for the support

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Thank's for the support

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Thank you loved the success stories and the wisdom of your letter.

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Congratulations to this year's grads, many of whom have been denied the tradition of ceremony and formal recognition that mark solemnity and celebration of accomplishment and achievement. Do good things, good works! (Dan says it much better than I!)

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Love this. Yes the struggle was real. I'm 68, raised my kids & two of my grand children, then went to get my degree, graduated on my birthday, what a gift & what an emotional day. Congrats to all my fellow graduates. Woohoo.

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Congratulations to all graduates 🎓 2021

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What a special and uplifting article.... thank you for giving the space to highlight these dear and brave people; very inspiring. Congratulations to all the graduates.

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My Commencement speaker at Washington State University was Edward R Murrow. And I do not recall what he said, but I do remember our pride in him as an alumni and I shook his hand. Class of 1962, Poli Sci/History major

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I watched a streaming of my grandson’s graduation from DeLaSalle HS, Minneapolis. The two young ladies, who were chosen by their classmates to give their Class addresses were both excellent speakers. And I was really impressed as they spoke about how the George Floyd murder was such a traumatic event on their City. And they joined the demonstrations, performed civic activities such as cleaning up and to come together. Out of these tragedies they both saw this as a period of growth for them and were looking forward to their futures to make a difference.

I was so proud of them and all those young people, who can make a difference in our Country’s future. And especially of my grandson, Nick.

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Well done, Dan! These bright young people are the hope of our country and of the world as our generation passes the torch. Their incredible inclusiveness and determination to make things better are real beacons of hope to me.

I share your belief that, a few bad apples aside, people overall are generally good, kind and generous.

I refuse to fall into cynicism. I think Ronald Reagan wisely said “Trust, but verify” (one of the very few things he ever said that I agree with).

On a lighter note, you forgot about the sunscreen....

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Love Steady. Thank you!

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Themes of perseverance (as I wrotte to our graduated grandson) and healthy skepticism, discovery of not being as prepared as had thought, steadiness, honesty and more to impart to those continuing to make their way into this often confused life of unexpectedness. The wisdom of a close and special someone to help impart wisdom and share throughout life. Needing these graduates to shape the world. Sharing these is lovely of you, Dan, even though I might not be able to erase the image of the more seasoned, cynical journalists reeking of tobacco smoke and stale whiskey!

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Last evening, as I was relaxing with a good book, my two cats cozied nearby, while tuned in to KMFA, loud blasts and a ruckus in the street outside brought an end to our peace and quiet. The local high school had just graduated its senior class and the students had piled into their decorated vehicles for a parade through the town! Balloons festooned their cars and trucks, horns blasted, joyous young people were crowded inside and literally hanging out of the windows. Given the times we live in today, this parade was LONG since apparently most of the students had wheels and those that didn't had led the parade in the several school buses that were equally decorated. As I think of your distinction between cynicism and skepticism and the happiness I saw on the faces of these young people, I have HOPE that they too have HOPE. It certainly seemed to be on display last night!

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Beautifully done. And inspiring at any age for those of us who still hope. Thank you.

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40 days to July 2nd. I am the Messiah. 😇

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