First Lady Lauds Strength, Resilience of Military Kids
(June 7, 2011) |
|
|
| MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va., June 4, 2011 – First Lady
Michelle Obama lauded the graduating seniors of Quantico
Middle/High School here last night for their strength,
resilience and maturity as they came of age in military
families during a time of war. |
First Lady Michelle Obama
chats with the 2011 graduates of Quantico
Middle/High School on Marine Corps Base
Quantico, Va., June 3, 2011. The first lady gave
the commencement address to the 36 graduates,
including nine from Japan who relocated after
the earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.
DOD photo by Linda Hosek |
|
“I think that all of you are incredibly special,” Obama told
the class of 36 students, who greeted the first lady with a
standing ovation and a resounding cheer at their
commencement.
The class included nine students from
Defense Department high schools in Japan who left with their
families in the wake of the devastating earthquake and
tsunami in March. Obama praised the students for so readily
accepting the Japan-based students into their midst. But
that show of kindness and compassion, and the strength and
grace of the incoming students, doesn't surprise her one
bit, she added, as they're qualities she's seen in just
about every military kid she's met.
These qualities
are hard won, but will serve them well throughout their
lives, the first lady told the military teens.
Growing up
in military families, the seniors faced more challenges and
had more experiences in their first 18 years than most
people have in a lifetime, Obama said. They each moved, on
average, more than six times, with one student tallying up a
total of 18 moves in the same number of years.
And
many have dealt with a parent's deployments, and the
associated worry and fear, the first lady noted. But these
challenges also have equipped them with a “resilience and
sturdiness of spirit” that will prepare them for life's
setbacks and hardships, she added.
“A bad grade on a
test, a bad day at work, that's not going to knock you off
your game,” Obama said, “because from a very young age, you
all have been dealing with the big stuff, and that's given
you perspective.”
Military life not only has shaped
their character, but also has broadened their minds, Obama
said. As with most military children, the students here have
lived across the country and the world, immersing themselves
in new communities and cultures. This will serve them well
in the future, she noted, as modern technology and the rise
of a global economy increase the likelihood they'll be
exposed to a people of different cultures and backgrounds in
their careers.
“You already have a skill set that so
many employers are seeking,” the first lady said, “one that
will position you for success both in the career you choose
and the life you build for yourself with your family.”
Military kids also possess a sense of service -- to
their families, their communities and their nation -- that's
inspiring, Obama said. They log hundreds of hours
volunteering, serving as coaches, tutoring other students,
picking up trash and working with organizations such as the
Red Cross and Toys for Tots. And many move on to a life of
military service.
“Service is the air that you
breathe,” she said. “It's how you were raised, and it's the
example you're setting for others.”
Obama
acknowledged the sacrifices military children are called on
to make. They live with the reality of war, knowing that at
any moment, their parent could be deployed halfway around
the world. And when this happens, they must quickly adjust,
she said, stepping up to help out at home, juggling
activities and schoolwork, even while worried beyond
measure.
“We know you're sacrificing,” the first lady
said, “but yet you're an important part of the greater
whole.” Military children understand that their parent is
part of something far bigger than themselves, she said, and
that their parent's service keeps every American safe.
“You really are the greatest,” Obama told the seniors.
“Your families know that. Our military leaders know that. I
know that. My husband knows that. And we want every single
American to know it as well.”
The first lady
encouraged the seniors to share stories about their
“extraordinary lives” with all they meet, “because,
graduates, you all are an inspiration, you all are role
models, not just for other military kids, but for all kids,
for all adults, for all Americans who want to see what
patriotism and sacrifice and service to country really look
like.”
Obama also praised the students' military
parents, who carried out missions around the globe, yet
still found time for bedtime stories over the phone and
video chats. And their spouses ran households and juggled
careers in the face of multiple deployments and moves.
“I have to tell you that as a mother, as a first lady
and as an American, I am blown away by your strength,” she
said. “I am inspired by your sacrifice. And I know that our
graduates are so grateful for your unwavering love and
support.”
Following her remarks, Obama helped to
present the students' diplomas. The first lady gave each
senior a hug and posed for a picture as family and friends
cheered in the crowd. She laughed and cheered them on too
before stepping out to greet the military families in the
audience.
Quantico senior Ashtyn Morgan was in tears
as she left the auditorium, calling them “tears of joy.” The
night was overwhelming, she said, between seeing the first
lady and having her father, Marine Corps Master Sgt. Daniel
Morgan, at her graduation despite five previous deployments.
Their presence “means the world to me,” she said.
Alexa Remington Lazar, a senior from Nile C. Kinnick
High School in Japan, said she's still in shock that the
first lady attended her graduation. “I got to hug the first
lady,” she said, still in her white cap and gown. “It was
surreal.”
Lazar's father, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chuck Lazar,
arrived from Japan two days ago. He had stayed behind after
his family left to help with humanitarian efforts there.
Lazar was thrilled to be at his daughter's graduation and
the fact that the first lady was there, he said, “was icing
on the cake.” |
By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2011 |
|
Comment on this article |
|
