RADM Burhoe made the president's traditional final message to the Cadet Corps this past Tuesday and took the opportunity to play for the cadets a video retrospective of the year he had been working the past few weeks to create. RADM Burhoe went through all the photos that had been posted throughout the year and selected those he felt would help tell the story of the 2015-2016 academic session and created a video montage with music he selected.
He opened his message to the cadets with the remarks below:
I want today to be a celebration.
There are over 90 Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday Chapel Services each year.
I continue to admire the respect you show each speaker, and the positive impression you give each guest we've had of Fork Union, and all it represents.
As the President, I have the privilege of leading the first Chapel service, and the last one. I started a tradition of having this last service be a celebration, rather than a last lesson.
...I think that by this time in the school year, you either got it or you didn't...you've heard the good news in as many ways as it could be said...at least until next year.
So...today we celebrate those who made it to the end of the 118th school year. We celebrate strength, unity, and brotherhood.
Today I am not even going to ask you to sing...as good as you sound...
...instead, through the magic of video, I've arranged for you to sing to yourselves...
Right after the song, you'll see a presentation that shows the year in review.
Similar to last year's presentation, this slide show attempts to capture all that is good about Fork Union Military Academy...
I want those graduating to appreciate what they've done...and those returning to better understand why...
RADM Burhoe then played a portion of the video "Song Service at Fork Union Military Academy" (available on YouTube), followed by his retrospective video presentation (now available for view on YouTube) embedded below:
The Battalion Commander followed the video by leading the Corps in a boisterous cheer of "Go FUMA!"
RADM Burhoe then closed the service with the following prayer:
"Dear God, We thank you for guiding us to this last Chapel Service.
We acknowledge your presence at this school and throughout our lives.
Be with these young men this summer, and help them set examples for their friends and family...examples in speech, in life, and in faith...
Keep them safe, and guide them to college, to boot camp, to work...and guide them back here often...whether to visit...or to complete their education.
Bring rest and revival to the faculty and staff, and bless Fork Union Military Academy, as you have for over 100 years.