Another graduation interrupted

Re: “‘I have nothing to look forward to’,”

April 8 news story

On Dec. 8, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor, my dad and several classmates, out of a sense of duty and love of country, enlisted in the Navy. Once papers were completed, they returned to Rice University and attended to their studies.

When my dad completed the last final of his senior year, he was whisked off to basic training. For him, no cap and gown were issued, no “Pomp and Circumstance” was played, his name was not called, he did not make the trek across the stage to exchange handshakes and receive his diploma. It was mailed to his parents’ home.

My dad lived with that hole in his life until the spring of 1998. Rice University stepped up and invited all World War II veterans the opportunity to “graduate.” Nothing could have kept my dad away. At long last, a cap and gown were issued, “Pomp and Circumstance” was played, his name was called, he made the trek across the stage to exchange handshakes and receive his diploma. Then the graduating Class of 1998, on behalf of a grateful nation, stood and cheered, in effect saying, “Thank you. Job well done.” On that day, my dad was 77 years old, and it was the first time I knew him to shed a tear.

It is my most fervent wish that all high schools, colleges and universities step up and not have the graduates of the Class of 2020 wait 56 years to be invited back to receive the recognition they so richly deserve.

With a congratulatory tip of the hat to all 2020 graduates, job well done.

Douglas M. Ward, Highlands Ranch