Senator Jim Webb Delivers 2009 Commencement Address at Emory & Henry College

Webb Spends Weekend in Southwest Virginia, Attends Carter Family Fold Tribute Performance

May 9, 2009

On Saturday, May  9^th, U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) delivered the commencement address at Emory & Henry College's 2009 Spring Commencement Ceremony, celebrating the graduation of nearly 200 students from Southwest Virginia's oldest college. Webb was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by college President Rosalind Reichard.  

 

Webb encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunities made available with an Emory and Henry degree and told the graduating class not to "forget where you come from." Senator Webb, who has deep roots in the region, is a descendent of the Scots-Irish settlers who came to this country in the 18th century and became pioneers in the mountains of Southwest Virginia.

 

The Scots-Irish were "fierce, uncompromising people," said Webb. "Don't forget the contributions this part of the country has made to America." The region, Webb said, provided the foundation for country music, our country's greatest military leaders,  and populist-style democracy.

 

Webb also expressed the uniqueness and possibilities of the American system. "Every one of you has the capability and opportunity to obtain anything you want," Webb concluded.

  Spending the weekend in Southwest Virginia, Senator Webb and his family attended the 100th Birthday Tribute to Maybelle Carter at the Carter Family Fold following his commencement speech.