We hold these truths . . .

Considering how much has changed in the past 12 months, it hardly seems possible that only a year has passed since September 11 -- the date destined to become a benchmark in history. The past year jolted our nation and altered our priorities, yielding both positive and negative effects.

MG John S. Grinalds U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) President, The Citadel

We have experienced a resurgence of patriotism and greater sense of national unity. In the midst of all the chaos, the basic values of God, country and care for one another provided us the anchors we needed. At the same time, multinational companies toppled like castles on the sand, vividly demonstrating the perils of leadership motivated by something other than basic human values.

As we observed the first anniversary of September 11 at The Citadel, it was most fitting that we also experienced a reaffirmation of our nation's founding principles through the visit of a rare artifact of our national heritage. Charleston was a host city for an original copy of the Declaration of Independence and The Citadel was fortunate to be a viewing site for this document during its Charleston stay.

The Dunlap Broadside, one of several printed on the night of July 4, 1776 for distribution throughout the 13 colonies, was touched by the patriots who put their lives on the line for our independence from Great Britain. Seeing this rare piece of paper -- our nation's birth certificate -- served as a powerful reminder of the basic values which we too often take for granted: that all men are created equal; that all have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It also served as a tangible sign that those values reflecting the best in the human spirit will endure; those values inspired by selfishness, pride or greed will not.

The visit of the Dunlap Broadside reminded me that The Citadel, like our nation, is founded on fundamental principles that have allowed this institution to prevail for more than 160 years. The four pillars that define The Citadel experience -- spiritual development, intellectual growth, physical fitness and military discipline -- are basic human values that speak to the highest and best in people.

The Citadel today, while different in many respects from the South Carolina Military Academy established on Marion Square in 1842, remains consistent in its faithfulness to those principles that inspire the best in the human spirit.

Our mission -- to develop principled leaders for the future -- is a worthy one. We must not let temporary distractions or irrelevant challenges distract us from what we are here to do. Every day that passes I give thanks to God for permitting me to be a part of this enduring demonstration of the triumph of fundamental human values.