HARVARD ROTC COMES IN OUT OF THE COLD   RECOGNITION (AT LAST) LAWRENCE H. SUMMERS SOUNDS OFF FOR ROTC

    As a large rock rising above the waves of a raging sea, -- the Man the Wall Street Journal hailed in "Profile in Courage" - President Lawrence H. Summers. The content pierced the thirty-year dark cloud of disdain and intolerance that enveloped Harvard ROTC.  The occasion: Veteran's Day, November 11, 2001, observed at Harvard's Memorial Church, whose walls bear the names of Harvard men who fell defending our country. The Harvard ROTC unit served as Color Guard. The letter was hand delivered to every Harvard cadet and midshipman.
    Harvard has spoken. It's a proud day for the Harvard ROTC students, their parents, and the alumni. The letter follows. Veritas. 
- David Clayman

November 9, 2001

Harvard Cadets and Midshipmen 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
201 Vassar Street, W59-192 
Cambridge, MA 02139

Dear Harvard Cadets and Midshipmen:

    I want to take the occasion of Veteran's Day to let you and your colleagues know how strongly I value the commitment to national service embodied in your participation in the Reserve Officer Training Corps.

    In the wake of the terrible events of September 11, our nation depends more than at any time in the recent past on the willingness of outstanding young men and women to defend our freedoms and to work vigorously to ensure our nation's security.

    Please know that I and many others deeply admire those of you who choose to serve society in this way. The freedoms that all of us enjoy, from day to day, are in no small part made possible by the dedication shown by you and your predecessors, over generations, in honorable service to the nation.

    I send you warm thanks and best wishes.

                                                                        Sincerely,


                                                                        Lawrence H. Summers