Dedication Speech for the Columbia War Memorial

12 December 2008 Dedication Speech for the Columbia War Memorial by LTC Eliot Goldman CC '79, USAR.  Note: Goldman concluded his remarks by speaking about ROTC.  "Not many schools have had an alumnus in the Oval Office. With a Columbia College graduate about to be Commander In Chief, we should see to it that President-elect Obama does not command a military that lacks Columbia graduates.  Three months ago, 100 yards from here, our president elect spoke of a recommitment to public service by the youth of America. Today we pay homage to Columbia men who have exemplified commitment to public service by making the ultimate sacrifice to the best country on earth. I leave you men and women of Columbia with the thought that the best way to honor those we pay tribute to with this memorial is to provide a new generation of Columbia men and women with the opportunity to also serve in our military. I challenge Columbia to reestablish ROTC so that this memorial will not represent a commitment of bygone days, but a commitment to the future of Columbia and our great nation. The President Obama Class of ‘83 ROTC Unit should be announced in 2009, and should stand up its first company shortly after that."