On account of President Barack Obama’s visit to deliver the commencement address at the Worcester Technical High School graduation, Worcester News Tonight looks back at previous presidential visits, including that of Lyndon B. Johnson to the College of the Holy Cross in 1964. Paul Carey, an alumnus of the class of 1964, thinks back on Johnson’s commencement address at his graduation 50 years ago, describing it as one of his “singularly most significant memories.” Although he doesn’t remember the address specifically, he does remember the feeling of being in Johnson’s presence, remembering thinking, “This can’t be me.”
John F. Kennedy was originally expected to give the commencement address, but after his assassination Johnson came instead, honoring Kennedy’s commitment to the College. Carey says that “it was no obligation to him to make that appearance” but felt touched that Johnson did. The 301 Worcester Tech graduates that prepare to welcome President Obama will soon join in the ranks of students like Carey who had the honor of a president’s presence at their graduation, an event that Carey describes as being one “that you never forget.”
This is a “Holy Cross in the News” item by Evangelia Stefanakos.
