The top U.S. military officer, Gen. Martin Dempsey, is urging graduating military cadets and civilians at Norwich to lead uncommon lives and build trust in their relationships as they head out into the world.
Dempsey is chairman of the military Joint Chiefs of Staff, and called trust and honor the "pillars of our nation." He spoke Sunday at commencement ceremonies at the nation’s oldest military college, founded in 1819.
Whether they are heading into military service or civilian life, Dempsey said the graduates should remember their work is just beginning. He revealed a sharp sense of humor and touched on his Irish roots and background as an English major as he spoke to the 400 graduating seniors, including more than 100 who received their commissions as officers in the armed services on Saturday.