United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

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 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 17, 2002 I am pleased to congratulate the United States Merchant Marine Academy's Class of 2002. America today faces a great challenge to protect our homeland from those who would do us harm. You are graduating from an institution with a long tradition of alumni who not only engage in commerce at sea, but who also willingly become protectors when our Nation is in peril. As Kings Point graduates, you can take considerable pride in your determination and efforts in your academic careers. You also can look forward to providing valuable service to America's economy through your work in the maritime and transportation industries. And our Nation is grateful that you stand ready to serve with our Armed Forces, the finest in the world, both Active and Reserve. Best wishes for continued success.

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THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 May 30, 2002 - of To the Class of 2002 It is a pleasure to congratulate each of you on your graduation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. I am very proud of all of you, and you should be proud of yourselves. Your graduation represents a personal milestone. It carries with it an obligation of leadership, to yourself, to your community, and to your Nation. My confidence that you will meet these obligations is supported by what you have already accomplished. One extraordinary accomplishment during your time at Kings Point was the response to the emergency in New York Harbor following the September 11 terrorist attack. USMMA midshipmen moved immediately toward the World Trade Center, as did many others in the maritime community. Over the course of eight days, USMMA assets transported more than 1,500 firefighters, emergency medical technicians, police officers, and other rescue personnel. Midshipmen and members of the faculty and staff also moved several tons of food, water, rescue supplies and other material across the harbor to the staging area at North Cove. You learned first hand about the proud tradition of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the value of your training at the Academy. Each of you have demonstrated the skills, the motivation, and the unwavering dedication we need, and I look forward to each of you becoming future maritime industry leaders. I challenge you today to continue using your knowledge on behalf of your community and on behalf of your Nation. No maritime school in the world enjoys a finer reputation for excellence than Kings Point. Your job is to continue that tradition and add to its luster. As your futures unfold, I challenge you to continue to live the motto of this fine institution — ‘deeds not words.’ Again, congratulations and I bid you fair winds and following seas. I 18 19