Graduation Time

We are moving into the season of graduation--except many if not all graduations in our corner of the world have either been canceled or postponed.  There are no doubt thousands of graduating seniors both at the college level and at the high school level lamenting the fact that they will not hear their name called, march across the stage and receive their diploma. There are no doubt many families of these graduates who will regret missing these events as well.  Graduations are important.

That said, there is something that we must  hope every graduate hears and understands.during this time of postponed and perhaps canceled ceremonies. Hopefully, each graduate will understand that it is not the ceremony that makes the graduate but rather the education the graduate receives that makes the graduate.   

The truth is that even though there may not be a graduation ceremony the education behind the cap and gown remains.  There is nothing that can take away an education.  In the end it isn't the ceremony that makes graduation special.  It is the process of learning that makes graduation something special.  

Further, the loss of a graduation cannot change the memories made while one is in school.  The loss of a graduation cannot take away the friends that have been made while one receives one's education.

Ceremonies, with a couple of notable exceptions, do not define a person.  What defines the person is the meaning behind the ceremony. Consider this, a wedding ceremony does not define a marriage.  Rather, it is the commitment of the couple expressed in their daily interactions with each other that defines a marriage. 

So it is with graduation.  While the ceremony is certainly appropriate it pails in comparison to the education and experiences that one received in the years before the ceremony.

Even so, it may well be that the Class of 2020 will be asked to give up a milestone event in their lives.  What may not be realized by them in this moment in doing so they will be contributing to something greater than themselves.  Their sacrifice may lead to a healthier community and a healthier nation. 

My father graduated high school in 1941.  A few short months after he and his class graduated from West Crisp High School the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.  When that occurred, my father had already traded his cap and gown for the uniform of the United States Navy.  He became a part of something greater than himself.  He also became a part of the generation that defended our freedom and enabled us to enjoy the freedom and prosperity we enjoy today.

The truth is in this time of "shelter in place" and "social distancing" we are all a part of something greater than ourselves.  We are all called to do our part for the greater good of our community and society.  Granted, what some are required to sacrifice seem larger than what others must cede.  Yet, we are all given the opportunity to make a difference in ours world.

I do hope the Class of 2020 will be given the opportunity to walk a cross a stage and receive their diploma.  If that should take place it is my hope that each every member of this class will understand that the value of the education they receive will last long after the ceremony is done and also know the inner peace of being a part of something greater than themselves.

Who knows? Maybe one of them will be a part of the research that will keep a repeat of the COVID-19 Crisis of 2020 from happening again.