<p>We joined the thousands of other beaming parents last Saturday at West Point as our son graduated and was commissioned. </p>
<p>I was impressed with Mr. Gates’ demeanor and the content of his commencement address. His address was rightfully directed to the graduates rather than to the general audience, or news media. Gates projects an image of genuine concern for our troops and their families. He also conveys a level of modesty seldom found in most of our high ranking government officials.</p>
<p>I was also impressed that Gates took the time to shake the hand of each of the graduates - no small task given there were 1001 graduates.</p>