He kept his hands raised, his eyes bright as he looked up at the podium.

“To the graduating class, I offer no easy promises of wealth or comfortable offices,” I said, gathering my notes into a neat stack.

“I offer you the honor of earned respect, which can never be bought, borrowed, or stolen.”

I stepped back from the microphone, came to attention, and raised my right hand in a crisp salute to General Vance.

The whole stadium went silent for a single beat as General Vance returned the salute.