US Presidency
2004

Colin Powell's career has taken him from service in Vietnam to the top rank in the military, and now on a peace mission to the Middle East. America is fortunate and I am proud to have ROTC graduate Colin Powell serving our country. Only one other Army general has gone on to serve as Secretary of State, and that was George Marshall, himself VMI's highest-ranking cadet in the class of 1901. As Army Chief of Staff, General Marshall became the architect of America's victory in the second world war. He fought tenaciously against our enemies, and then worked just as hard to secure the peace. President Truman considered George C. Marshall the greatest man he knew. Above all, said Winston Churchill, Marshall always fought victoriously against defeatism, discouragement and disillusionment. The key to morale and to victory, Marshall said, is steadfastness and courage and hope. And, today, we are called to defend freedom against ruthless enemies. And, once again, we need steadfastness, courage and hope. The war against terror will be long.