Dear Marietta College Family,
Marietta College joins our nation on this Memorial Day weekend in honoring the men and women in the armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States and our freedoms as American citizens. As we reflect upon those we honor, we must also acknowledge that as individuals of this great nation that we have a never-ending bond with our service members.
I look back to the words of President John F. Kennedy for inspiration as he said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men and women it produces, but also by the men and women it remembers…the men and women it honors.”
Take a moment to contemplate, and consider the ultimate sacrifice that more than 1 million American women and men gave to our great country serving in the military. It is a humbling reminder of the steep price we have paid for our freedom — something we should never take for granted.
No matter where you are on Memorial Day, please pause and pay tribute to all of the brave women and men of our Armed Forces who died in the service of our country, and whose sacrifice protected our freedoms as Americans.
These men and women are why we live in the greatest country on earth, and why a place like Marietta College can exist and thrive — even when as individuals we don’t always agree on what is happening in our country and around the world. I encourage you to respectfully debate each other and passionately agree and disagree. It is the beauty of living in a free nation, and one that ensures our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Sincerely,
Bill Ruud
President and Professor of Management
Marietta College