US Ambassador to Latvia, Catherine Todd Bailey’s commencement address to Franklin College

First of all, thank you for this most distinguished honorary degree. I will remember this moment, being the fifth generation of my family to have attended Franklin. President Moseley, chairman Huddleston, members of the board of trustees, distinguished faculty and staff, alumni, families of the graduating seniors and most importantly, members of the Franklin college class of 2007 – having graduated from this great institution some 34 years ago, I know what it’s like to sit in those seats having wondered if this day would ever come. And as a parent, I know what it’s like to sit in those seats having wondered if this day would ever come.

But today has arrived. And you have earned the right to celebrate – both the graduates, and the family and friends who have supported you throughout your educational journey.

For me, the opportunity to return to Franklin College is a special one. I arrived in Franklin yesterday, and a lot of memories came to mind. Memories of my academic days – and, probably to my parents chagrin, of my less-than-academic days…

My freshman year at Franklin was especially a big adjustment. I had come from a very small town here in Indiana, so even little things – like pizza that could actually be delivered to your door – seemed like a very big deal. My major was elementary education, but my that year my parents used to wonder if my real major was in socializing.

I can vividly recall how – on the night before final exams -- my roommates and I would study for hours before we would finally slam our books shut and together declare, “now that we’ve come to the conclusion we’re not prepared, let’s order a pizza.”

But beyond the fun and socializing, Franklin provided me with a solid liberal arts education that helped prepare me for the many different and unexpected directions that my life has taken.

As I alluded to earlier, I graduated from Franklin in May of 1973. And upon returning yesterday, I was amazed to see how the campus has grown!

Back then football games were played on a grassy field -- surrounded by little more than a chain link fence. It's great to see the grizzlies have a wonderful home at red fought stadium.

I know that you, the class of 2007, have personally witnessed a lot of change during your time here.

I understand you were the last class to experience both the old and new student centers -- and you were the last class at Franklin to all live together in else hall. A dormitory that I called home for four years.

But while there have been some changes and growth on campus, what’s more telling is what hasn’t changed -- namely, that Franklin remains an outstanding environment for learning, with small classes, caring professors, and countless opportunities for service.

It is not an easy thing to improve an institution like Franklin College -- while still ensuring that it remains fundamentally true to its core values. President Moseley, you are doing just that. I thank you for the great work you have done to ensure that Franklin College is well-prepared to meet the competitive educational challenges of the 21st century.

Today, I stand here not only as an alumna of this great institution, but as someone honored and deeply privileged to serve the united states as ambassador to the republic of Latvia. Representing one’s country abroad is indeed an eye-opening experience. For me, it has not only made me more appreciative of the freedoms we enjoy in the United States, but it has made me more aware of the responsibilities that come with that freedom.

So today, as you close one chapter of your life and prepare to embark on a new one, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the blessings of liberty that we so enjoy, and the responsibilities each of us share as free citizens.

All too often, freedom is something that we take for granted. As us. citizens, we all do have a responsibility to appreciate, and be grateful, for the many liberties we share. This is an area that has had a profound effect on me while serving in Latvia.

The republic of Latvia is a relatively small country, roughly the size of West Virginia. But while it may be small geographically, this is a country that has left a giant footprint on the world. With its neighbor to the north, Estonia – and its neighbor to the south, Lithuania – these three nations are known as the Baltic States. But over the past two decades, these three countries have served on what we call the frontiers of freedom for Eastern Europe, and for the world.

Latvia is just 16 years into the restoration of its independence. Prior to that, it spent nearly fifty years under the occupation of either the Soviet Union, or Nazi Germany – suffering at the hands of two of the vilest regimes of the 20th century, Stalin and Hitler.

During that period, the Latvians endured a system of repression that sought to destroy their very culture. Latvian citizens were required to abandon their native language. Their houses of worship were shuttered. And dissenters were sent to forced labor camps, where they were left to suffer and die.

But even during these years of occupation, the United States continued to recognize Latvia’s independence. While the flag of a free Latvia was not allowed to fly over their own Latvian soil, their flag was flown proudly over diplomatic missions in the United States. This year marks 85 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between the United States and Latvia, as well as continuous American recognition of Latvian statehood.

President Bush, who has visited Latvia twice within a period of 18 months, has been vocal in his admiration for the courage shown by this country and its citizens. And he has expressed his gratitude to Latvia for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States as we work to ensure that the blessings of liberty can take root around the globe.

Latvia has been a strong ally of the United States in the war on terror, because Latvians have seen firsthand what can happen when free people don’t stand up against the forces of hatred and oppression.

Last June, Latvian president Viral Vike-Freiberga addressed a joint session of our us. congress and said, “we know the value of freedom, and feel compassion for those who are still deprived of it. We know the price of freedom, for we have paid for it, and would be ready to do it again and again.”

What is remarkable about Latvians is not the ways in which they suffered; it is how they have responded to that suffering. Instead of dwelling on the past, Latvians remain focused on the future. They cherish their freedom and the opportunities that come with it.

Latvia’s road to freedom was difficult. Yet in spite of all the suffering they have endured, Latvians continue to show their strength and their perseverance. And in just the 16 years since the restoration of their independence, this free and democratic country is thriving. New businesses are opening. Construction is booming. Latvia’s GDP is growing at one of the highest rates in the world. And Latvia serves as proud members of both the European union and natal.

As the U.S. ambassador to this great country, I have often had the opportunity to reflect on what I have observed with the Latvian people and what is our responsibility and obligation that goes along with being in a free and democratic society. One example is we should feel compelled to give back.

The concept of compassion for others can take many forms, but at its very core, it is about helping others who are in need. There are many examples that can be cited, but one story that I have often made reference to is of a couple in Louisville, Kentucky, by the name of Sharon and Frank Neville.

In 1995, the Neville’s received a phone call from a friend who volunteered at a women’s prison. They listened intently, as their friend described a young incarcerated mother who was due to give birth any day and was without anyone to care for her child.

After much consideration, the Neville’s agreed to care for this newborn. Their generosity and compassion formed the inspiration for an organization called operation open arms. Through this program, the children of incarcerated mothers are placed in a loving, stable environment while their mother serves her sentence. This allows the children to feel loved and cared for, with the hope that by having these role models as caretakers, they will grow up to become responsible citizens.

We also have a responsibility to carry out productive lives. Each of you has unique gifts and talents. Use them – not just for yourself, but for your community and by extension, your country.

One such individual who had these attributes that I have mentioned was the gentleman from whom our college takes its name. Ben Franklin understood that freedom demands us to take active roles in trying to better our community and our country.

Franklin was a successful author, scientist, inventor and diplomat. He served as the United States’ first ambassador, and was a delegate to the second continental congress and the constitutional convention.

His accomplishments helped make him one of the most famous men in the world – both in his own time and still today. Yet, it is some of Franklin’s lesser known activities that were perhaps the most extraordinary.

He founded a firefighting company, yet he was no firefighter.

He organized America’s first public library, but he was not a librarian.

He conceived and implemented Philadelphia’s first police patrols, but he had no background in law enforcement.

In fact, throughout his entire life, Ben Franklin continued to sign his name, “b. Franklin, printer.”

But despite being a printer, Franklin accomplished so much, primarily because he never stopped looking for ways to get involved and to give back.

Acts like these are the foundation of strong democracies, because freedom will not exist for long in a country where people don’t take care of one another.

There are a lot of ways we can follow Franklin’s example. And fortunately for us, they don’t have to involve establishing a firefighting company, or a library, or a police department.

But it does require us to be pro-active – to seek out opportunities to make our country better.

I never would have thought sitting in your seats 34 years ago, that I – a college graduate from a small town in Indiana -- would one day return here to my alma mater as a United States ambassador. But it is an example of the unexpected opportunities that life can steer in our direction. No matter what course life may take you, think to include ways to give back.

Our American story is now well into its third century. And on its pages are the stories of millions of men and women whose names we may not know, but whose actions have defined our nation.

Some have cared for children, despite not being parents.

Some have fed and clothed the needy, despite not being social workers.

Some have stood up for their political beliefs, despite not being politicians.

Those who have come before us have provided examples, but now it falls to each of you in the class of 2007 to begin writing your own chapter of our American story. I’m confident you will make us all very proud.

Once again, congratulations. You deserve today and you have most definitely earned this moment.

Thank you.