The month of May is steadily marching to an end, as is
the flow of graduates making their way center stage
for the traditional graduation ceremony. Speeches
reminiscing of days past and hopes of a prosperous
future are all to often taken for granted. The moment,
which may only last a few solitary hours, quickly
passes and is all to soon forgotten.

But one graduate in Holdenville, OK will have a
different memory of his graduation, one of standing in
the stands, watching.

U.S. Marine Michael Lueking, dressed in his blue dress
uniform, watched as Holdenville High School fellow
classmates walked across the stage to receive their
diploma.

Lueking, who completed his high school requirements
six months early in order to follow his dream of
becoming a Marine, was denied the honor of walking
across stage because he refused to wear the school’s
customary royal blue cap and gown.

Michael expressed to Associated Press how wearing the
uniform means everything to him. Holdenville school
policy is for everyone to wear a cap and gown.

Superintendent Shellie Gammill told AP, “The problem
is either you have them all dressed the same and
follow the same policy or you let them wear whatever
they want. You have to have guidelines and policies to
follow.”

But shouldn’t the military dress uniform be the
exception to the rule? Lueking along with many other
students to soldiers will soon become the warriors
fighting for our rights along with the rights of
others of the world. I find it very disrespectful and
anti-patriotic to “not” let Michael wear his dress
blues uniform.

Lueking was not given his diploma during the
graduation ceremony of Holdenville. He received it
from school board member Jon Swadley after the Friday
ceremony was completed. But I do know that no one will
hesitate to give him a M-4 during his seven months in
Iraq. It is sad to be an American Soldier and not have
the support of your fellow community.

This Memorial Day, make sure that not only soldiers of
past are remembered for their sacrifice but also the
soldiers of present. “Greater love has no one than
this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John
15:13

Karen M Hale