A U.S. Marine Makes A Stand
On Friday night, May 12, 2006 United States Marine Michael Lueking graduated from Holdenville High School in Holdenville, Oklahoma. Unlike his fellow 64 classmates in the town of about 5,000 Lueking did not get to walk across the stage at the graduation ceremony. The school administration said he was not dressed for the occassion.
Michael Lueking completed high school a semester early in order that he could fulfill his dream of joining the United States Marine Corps. He completed Marine boot camp on May 5th and had previously requested to wear his Marine Corps dress blues at the graduation ceremony. Just prior to graduation he was informed that he would not permitted to wear his dress uniform and that unless he wore the required cap and gown that he would not be permitted to 'walk' with his fellow graduates.
Holdenville School Superintendent Shellie Gammill said that graduating seniors are required to wear a cap and gown to the ceremony and that if an exception is made for Lueking, similar exceptions would have to be made for students who wish to wear other special clothing, such as for religious and ethnic reasons.
During the graduation ceremony as Lueking's classmates made their way across the stage he stood in the stands and did so proudly in his dress blue uniform.
While Holdenville School Superintendent Shellie Gammill denied him his right to 'walk the stage' with his classmates, Superintendent Gammill could not diminish or detract from that for which Michael Lueking stood. He did not stand just for himself, he stood for every Marine past and present. There is no question about it, he is one of the few and the proud. Proud to not only be a U.S. Marine but proud of the uniform which denotes a long and dedicated history of service to our country.
Superintendent Gammill you should hang your head in shame, for your affront to Michael Lueking was an affront to every man and woman that has ever worn that uniform. Countless thousands of U.S. Marines have sacrified their blood, sweat, tears and very lives to protect this nation, so that people such as yourself can impose your petty rules upon those that serve our nation proudly.
Some people are simply unfit and undeserving of being called 'An American'. Superintendent Shellie Gammill of Holdenville, Oklahoma you are one such person.
