Urges Graduates to Serve Those Less Fortunate
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki urged graduates to “share your time, talents and energy with those less fortunate” at the University of Vermont’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 23.
“Make no mistake about it: One of life’s greatest gifts is the privilege of sharing one’s own blessings with others,” said Secretary Shinseki.
To illustrate, Shinseki told the story of Jerry Murphy, a Marine lieutenant who earned the Medal of Honor in Korea, then went to work for VA. After retiring from VA, Murphy worked for eight more years as a VA volunteer. Before he died, he asked to be buried in his VA Volunteer jacket.
“Coming from a Marine Medal of Honor recipient, that says volumes about the fulfillment that comes with serving others,” said Shinseki.
“With your new degree, there are many things you will be able to do for yourselves,” said Shinseki. “There are also many things you will be able to do for others. Find purpose to your lives beyond simply making a living. Find something that gets you up in the morning and makes it difficult to turn in each night. If it’s serving others – full-time or part-time, public service or volunteering – I guarantee, you won’t regret it, and this country and the world will be a much better place.”
Shinseki also thanked UVM for awarding him an honorary Doctor of Law degree, saying, “There are few universities as closely tied as UVM is to the founding of our country and the origins of the United States Army. I am greatly honored to accept the honorary doctorate from the heirs of Ira and Ethan Allen, and the Green Mountain Boys.”
UVM was founded in 1791 by Ira Allen, younger brother of Ethan Allen. Ira and Ethan both served with the Vermont militia known as the Green Mountain Boys before and during the Revolution.
This year, thirteen UVM graduates received VA education benefits, including six graduates on the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill, as well as VA’s other educational benefit programs, is available at VA’s Web site, www.gibill.va.gov, or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551).
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