Commencement ceremonies at OSU and OU focus on Iraq

As about 11,000 Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma students graduated, commencement addresses at both schools focused on America's conflict in Iraq.<br/><br/>In Stillwater, retired

Monday, May 10th 2004, 5:40 am

By: News On 6

As about 11,000 Oklahoma State University and University of Oklahoma students graduated, commencement addresses at both schools focused on America's conflict in Iraq.

In Stillwater, retired Gen. Tommy Franks on Saturday told a class with more than 5,000 eligible graduates -- a record for Oklahoma State -- that although America strives for moral values and humanity, it may not be seen through the war in Iraq.

"When we turn on our televisions, we are reminded not of the humanity of our country, not of the values of America, not of the choices which have been made by all of you as you have succeeded in your education," Franks said. "Rather, we are reminded of our own fallibility."

Franks, who led coalition forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, also spoke about the Sept. 11 attacks as a "crease in history" and a day of profound loss in the United States, but ultimately a failed attempt by terrorists because of the bright futures of young Americans like the graduates.

NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw, speaking in Norman, reminded graduates that when many began their college careers in 2000, America was in the midst of "dot-com prosperity" and "Osama bin Laden was a little-known, shadowy figure in somewhat distant lands."

"Life changes with lightning swiftness," Brokaw told the nearly 6,000 graduates.

After also mentioning America's political scene -- criticizing lawmakers for being partisan in a time of war -- and encouraging graduates to learn about Muslims' culture and religion, Brokaw finished by telling the graduates to emulate Americans from the World War II era.

"When they came back, their first thought was not to look after their own selfish needs but to give back," Brokaw said.

He encouraged the graduates to participate in the presidential election and take the same interest in their country that their grandparents' generation did.

"Go forth from here and re-enlist in the urgent call of your day to become, once again, a public citizen."