Walking that Walk into the Future

It’s called “Pomp and Circumstance.” Originally composed by Sir Edmund Elgar in the early 1900s as part of a group of military marches, the selection we hear the most and know the best is March No. 1. It is the rather understated but still heart-stirring combination of orchestral instruments that was first played in the United States when Elgar received an honorary degree at Yale in 1905. Now we hear it at virtually every high school and college graduation across the country.
And how fitting a tune! More on that in a minute.
We have had the recent joy and pleasure of seeing our two oldest granddaughters, Emma and Clara, ‘complete the requirements,’ as they say, for high school graduation. It is almost a cliché, but as Jill’s mom so wisely stated, the ‘four fastest years of their lives’ has flown for not only them but for us all. They went through a lot, these seniors, from fears of no school to virtual school to full attendance, and have been able to get an almost-normal array of experiences and sports and performances amidst what one of the student speakers said was ‘the year that shall not be mentioned.’
A day like this, a graduation, may have seemed like the most unlikely of events as we worked through last summer. But now, seeing them in their mortarboards and gowns, adorned with sashes and cords, pridefully moving in to the next phase of life, and yes, hearing that song… well, tears and love abounded.
As we sat there for one and watched another on video, it occurred to me what an egalitarian tune is this March No. 1. Not in any political sense… Heaven forbid! But consider this scene, all these teenagers-now-adults, all races, sizes and of varied accomplishments, making the stroll across the stage, as they enter the last official educational event of their secondary careers, all to the same grand and majestic sound of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance.” Yes, the ‘pomp’… and my, oh my, how about them ‘circumstances!’
Some kids proudly sported the sash of The National Honor Society, State Scholar cords, special academic, athletic and service recognitions. Each student was singularly greeted by administrators with a nod to their future plans. Many were college-bound, some headed to a military career, others to trades, still others jumping right into the workforce. And a few, still undecided as to what their next adventure might be.
But that day, each young person felt the pride of having finally reached a huge mile marker. Each young person knew that, whatever their next steps would be, this song was for them. They had done it. At. Last.
After the ceremonies, with all the tears and smiles and hugs and well- wishes and selfies inundating the common areas, I stepped back for a brief moment. I whispered a brief prayer to The Big Educator in the Sky. To lead them and guide them. To raise them up if they stumble. To protect them along the way.
For we all know that line about ‘the best laid plans of mice and men.’
And women.
And finally, to these, our future: Godspeed, and warmest congratulations on a job well done. Make us proud, ’21.

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