I-Day Sup's address, letter from Plebe

Hopeful2013

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My daughter is in class 2013 and my husband and I were not able to be at I-day. We watched it live via the internet...pretty cool. I found Vice Admiral Fowler's address so inspiring I typed most of it out and will be sending it to my daughter as a reminder. So I thought that I would share it here in case anyone else needs to give a pep talk...you can use Vice Admiral Fowler's words. My daughter finds that kinda stuff inspiring. I already got a very small note from my daughter and she is anxious about the academic year but feels ok about Plebe summer. The letter was not dated but she said that it was in the evening and they had 10 minutes to shower, clean their room, study and write home (the letter home was mandatory). This is her dream, has been since she was in the 7th grade. She will be ok! We will see her for PPW! Proud mom of a mid class 2013.:shake:

This is not the entire speech...but most of it.

"Some of you may have doubts about whether or not you are good enough to overcome the challenges you will face. That is normal. But let me remind you that I chose you.” He went on to say “The only obstacle between you and success is your own discipline and desire. Some days will be good. Other days will be challenging. I assure you that everyday you will have to work harder than you have ever worked before. The level of excellence that got you here today is not good enough to get you though the next four years of the Naval Academy. You will experience failure, maybe for the first time in your life. But we will teach you to face and overcome your failures as a team. Look to your right and to your left. This morning these people were strangers. Tonight they are your classmates. You will learn quickly that you can not make it through the Naval Academy alone. To succeed you must depend on each other, in the process you will forge life long bonds. We will develop your strengths to levels you have never before achieved. When you receive your commissions as officers in the Navy and Marine Corps 4 years from now, you will stand in front of your sailors and marines, and you will be selfless, inspirational, efficient, innovative, articulate, adaptable, professional leaders, ready to serve a nation at war. A grateful nation applauds your dedication and commitment to serve others before yourself. Welcome aboard shipmates!"
 
"and you will be selfless, inspirational, efficient, innovative, articulate, adaptable, professional leaders, ready to serve a nation at war. A grateful nation applauds your dedication and commitment"

Nobody caught it. It is supposed to be "proficient" not "efficient". Sorry...I just realized that Vice Admiral was naming off the midshipman attributes and one of them is "proficient".
 
It was a very good speech - I agree. I don't want to burst your bubble, but that is pretty much a canned speech. Admiral Fowler gave the exact same speech, practically word for word, to the Class of 2012.

Admiral Fowlder's speech to Class of 2012

Captain Klunder's speech to the Parents of 2013

SIDENOTE: Ironically, Captain Klunder, the current Commandant of Midshipmen, was in my company (5th) when I was a firstie and he was a plebe. In fact, I was his 1st Set squad leader when he first reported to the academy in the summer of '78. To me he was just "Mr. Klunder", that scared, sweaty plebe. I got the opportunity to visit him during this past I-Day. He forgave me for yelling at him. :) I understand he is considered one of the better Commandant's the academy has had in a very long time. He is extremely personable and very articulate.

David Emerling '79
 
Thank you

You have no idea how much this helped me, I was not there either. Thank you!
 
Canned or not .. the audience was new, the message true and well worth repeating! Tradition is part of the greatness of it all ... We were there to hear it ... thanks for posting it ...
 
Canned or not .. the audience was new, the message true and well worth repeating! Tradition is part of the greatness of it all ... We were there to hear it ... thanks for posting it ...

True. It's a great speech and it drives home a few very important points in a very succinct manner.

1. Congratulations for choosing to serve your country.
2. You have been handpicked by me and have what it takes to be successful.
3. You have to work hard the next four years.
4. Be prepared to be challenged. You may experience failure for the first time.
5. You will be a leader in the future, but you are not ready to lead TODAY.

David Emerling '79
Alec '13 (C/6)
Eric '13 (F/27)
 
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