Thomas Foley: “I wish I was in Bill Gates's class. I would be planning my estate taxes and issues like that, because obviously, he has…”

“I wish I was in Bill Gates's class. I would be planning my estate taxes and issues like that, because obviously, he has done very well. It is not just about wealth; it is about this country. I hope I can get through this, because this is a sad day. We watched the kids come here, excited, exuberant, happy about serving their country; and we see them leave as mature young people who are ready to carry out life's dreams. In this class we had several Andrews and several Adams and multiple Christophers, several Lindseys. Some came with dyed hair, Christopher; some have used the Nation's supply of gel; Spike, as I call him. Some of you have changed outfits and changed looks, but the thing that I think unites us all is that you are outstanding young people. Oftentimes, you read the newspaper and you look at the TV news and you hear about the bad kids in life. Happily for America, that is only about one-half of 1 percent. Regrettably, we do not read about the good kids, the kids that are here today that are sacrificing being away from their friends and family back home, the time that they could spend in high school, the favorite years of your life in your hometown, in your home community, with your boyfriends and girlfriends and family. But instead you chose to venture to our Nation's Capital, the seat of government, the center of the world. You have served, and I know at times you have been frustrated.…”