At Commencement-Reunion Weekend last year, Brown honored the Class of 1945 and the momentous events of world history it witnessed in its youth. In my remarks on The College Green, I cited victory in Europe, victory in Asia, a buoyant surge of confidence and new respect for true democratic values as part of the heritage and experience of the 50th reunion class.

That also was the experience of the Class of 1946, yet this 50th reunion will have a different character - perhaps because the Class of 1946 was the first to graduate after the war had ended. This year we honor not just the victory, but the coming home. We pay our respects to a generation that was determined to rebuild lives and to rebuild a country that had been too long at war. We also take time to remember and honor those who did not return.

Seventy-five years ago this spring, Brown University dedicated as a memorial to those who had given their lives during World War I. Like many memorials of that time, its inscription mentions "The World War," implying a hope that there would never be another. That has not been the case. The 20th century has demanded much from us. World wars, the war in Korea and the war in Vietnam have disquieted, even divided us, and the Cold War has shaped our national direction for nearly half a century.

At 9:30 Sunday morning, I will join many of you at Soldiers Arch for a ceremony that will honor the memory of all members of the Brown community who died serving their country during the wars of the 20th century. I will also describe for you the University's plan to establish a permanent memorial to Brown's 243 known war dead, and, more specifically, the 177 who died in World War II, the seven killed in Korea, and the 17 who would suffer the same fate in Vietnam.

For nearly a decade, the University has been at work developing a suitable memorial. Two earlier plans proved unworkable for reasons of site selection and cost. Now I am pleased to report that we have chosen both an excellent site and a designer of extraordinary talent. We will develop the area inside Soldiers Arch and extending to Lincoln Field as a place of commemoration, reflection and harmony that will do justice both to the memory of those who died in war and to the vision, determination and optimism of their classmates.

It is determination and optimism that have helped our classes keep the faith in our country and its future. I am pleased to report that I see those same qualities in the Class of 1996, which will soon march down College Hill and join your ranks as alumni and alumnae. They, like you, know the meaning of service, opportunity, hope and true patriotism and have demonstrated that understanding in many ways during their time here. Such understanding is transmitted from one generation to the next and is part of the social, political and moral bond that unites us as citizens. Monuments - as well as your presence here - speak to those enduring qualities. I am pleased that you have returned to Brown.