The End Of The Beginning

"We've all come here from all over the country, from all walks of life. For the past couple of days, we've sat in this room, voiced our opinions strongly, and we've challenged each other. With all of the determination between us, the fact that we're all still standing is a testament to the great things that we'll accomplish when we get to Tennessee and get to work. It's been a pleasure getting to know you all, and I thank you."

As we stood in a circle in the middle of our meeting room on the lobby level of the Crowne Plaza, we each took a few moments to briefly express our thoughts. Those were mine.

Certificates recognizing our completion of AmeriCorps Pre-Service Orientation were handed out, and applause was given after the announcement of each name. A half-dozen or so group photos were snapped. And then, we left the room.

Many have left the hotel for the evening, seeking some excitement while in Atlanta. I've stayed back to relax and get squared away.

Tomorrow will be a short day -- finished at one o'clock in the afternoon. The morning will consist of a workshop on civil rights, and one on building and maintaining relationships. In the fifteen minutes before hopping in my car and driving off to a year of service in the Volunteer State, this orientation will culminate with a brief ceremony in which I'll stand tall among my fellow volunteers, raise my right hand, and take the oath which countless Americans have taken before me:

"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

I have never known so high an honor.