United States Military Academy West Point - Howitzer Yearbook (West Point, NY)

Page 32 text:



Page 34 text:

President Ronald W. Reagan Vice President George Bush mi nin rr. iioi s». • lUIIMilON I am pleased to send greeting and congratulation to the members of the Class of 1985. Your graduation is a time of celebration with friends and faolly, a time for memories, and a time for anticipation. Of all of life'a transitions, the one on which you are about to embark, whether it be to the world of work, voluntary aervice or professional atudies. involves the most dramatic opportunities for change and growth. As you move forward to your goals, my hope is that you will always remember with thanks the sacrifices of so many others which have made the gift of education possible. From the parents who gave you life itself, to the graduates before you whose labor and idea built our institutions and filled them with learning, to the educators who shared with you the fruit of their experience and knowledge, your education is truly the most sublime Inheritance. Throughout our history, we have relied on Divine Providence to help America remain a bastion of freedom. The American people have long recognized that education stands foremost among the guardians of that freedoa. nurturing it and in turn being nourished by it. One of the root meanings of the word education is to lead. If America is to retain its greatness. If our freedom is not to fail, then those who have enjoyed the benefits of education must accept with courage and conviction the mantle of leadership their knowledge has conferred upon them. The degree you now receive signifies many years of study and hard work, but Its true meaning lies not in what you have done but in what you will do to honor your heritage, to live wisely and well, to lead, and to protect the freedom which has been our birthright. Congratulations, and Cod bless you. THE VICE PRESlOENT WASMINOION April 24. 1985 To the Members of the Vest Point Class of 1985 Dear Friends: Congratulations on graduating froa the world's finest army Institution of higher education. You have spent four productive years at Uest Point, years that demanded of you more aelf-dlsclpllne. responsibility, and leadership than Is required of civilian college graduates. Your Army career will continue to ask the utmost of you, because the nation's military Is so vital to the United States and to a world which longs for freedom and real peace. Upon the strength of you and your colleagues rests the Influence of our nation's diplomacy. 1 am confident, as I know you are, that by maintaining our strength and our willingness to coabat aggression, we shall reduce the necessity of ever having to us that allltaty might In war. Best wishes to you all, and deepest appreciation. 30