Passage

One thing that I always find gratifying,  both as a teacher and as a parent, is when young people come to realize that they are part of something bigger than themselves, and start to think about what they can do to make a contribution.  When kids discover altruism, they become better people and the world is a better place because of them.

One of these young people, Jimmy Rosebrock, showed an interest in the larger world early on, first as a Boy Scout and then as a volunteer at Antietam National Battlefield.  Below is a picture of Jimmy, who, along with his dad (another Antietam Volunteer), provided a Civil War honor guard for the transfer of the remains of a young New York soldier (recovered two years ago in the Cornfield area of Antietam National Battlefield) to Saratoga National Cemetery.

(Jimmy, facing the camera, Jim, his dad with back to camera.)

Today marked the return of Jim after a four-month absence from the Park.  The erstwhile kid has returned...

a US Marine.

 Jim is very sure of himself, very poised, and very much the same delightful guy we've all come to so appreciate.  His family, and his park family are all very proud of him.

And, doesn't it figure, he's showing up at the Park on this, his last weekend of leave, to volunteer.

The kids are alright.

Mannie