[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 9 (Wednesday, February 2, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E133]]


                  HONORING FT. LEWIS COLLEGE GRADUATES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 2, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Ft. 
Lewis College's Winter Graduating Class of 2004. 1 was unable to attend 
the ceremony and would like to enter some remarks into the record on 
behalf of the graduates.
  I was asked to serve as the commencement speaker for the December 
18th graduation ceremony in Durango, Colorado where Ft. Lewis College 
is located. Ft. Lewis College is a fine institution of higher learning 
in the West, and Durango happens to be one of my favorite places in 
Colorado. For my colleagues who have not had the opportunity to visit 
Durango, I can tell you that it embodies much of the majesty of the 
Rocky Mountains and the West. From the high country lakes to the red-
rocked canyon lands to the breathtakingly rugged San Juan Mountains, 
Durango is truly awe-inspiring nature at its finest. I was very much 
looking forward to talking to these graduates in this beautiful part of 
our State.
  Drawing on my experience as a climber and outdoorsman, I was going to 
talk to the graduates about the lessons they could learn from the 
natural world around them as they embarked upon their next journey. I 
hoped to remind them that they are surrounded by beauty and should take 
time to take note of the quality of air and light around them. Much 
like being atop our San Juan Mountains, they too were on the roof of 
the,world. Not only can they look down with a sense of pride from the 
peak they have just climbed in earning their degree. From this new 
found height they can see the myriad peaks on the horizon for the first 
time because they have worked hard to better themselves through 
education. They can now see the boundless opportunities available to 
them. Among these opportunities are those involving public service.
  A friend and man I admire, Senator John McCain, has said that 
military service gave him an opportunity to serve a cause bigger than 
personal self-interest. I could not say it any better, and I hope all 
graduates take this underlying message to heart whether they enter 
military service or not. Senator McCain's wisdom speaks to all of us.
  I want to take this opportunity to recognize their hard work and the 
support of their families and congratulate them on their graduation. I 
ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Ft. Lewis College 
Winter Graduating Class of 2004. I know I join their friends and family 
in taking great pride in this laudable achievement.

                          ____________________