<p>Over thirty five representatives from the Class of 1959 and their wives were present at the Commitment Dinner for the Class of 2009 held in Alumni Hall on Monday, 20 August 2007; a significant event in the Another Link in the Chain program. </p>
<p>At this milestone event, members of the of the Class of 2009 reaffirmed their commitment to the Naval Academy, naval service following graduation and to the Honor Concept and Treatise. Opening remarks were given by Midshipman Andrew Poulin, 09, Class President. </p>
<p>Midshipmen Griffin and Matus read the Honor Concept and Treatise; and presented a large parchment Honor Scroll which contained individual signatures of the Class of 2009, confirming their agreement to uphold the standards of the Honor Concept. Members of the Class of 2009 stood and reaffirmed their obligation to the naval service and the United States Naval Academy Honor Concept. The Oath of Office was led by the Commandant of Midshipmen, Captain Margaret Klein, 81. </p>
<p>The keynote speaker was the Honorable Robert C. McFarlane, a member of the Class of 1959 and former National Security Advisor to President Ronald Reagan. In his remarks, Mr.McFarlane stated: The commission you will receive two years hence starts with the words 'The President of the United States, reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, character, prudence and ability of Ensign Jones that is not a casual statement. The reason that all presidents and all Americans have confidence in placing that trust is because they have known for 162 years what it has meant to be a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. There is a standard without parallel in human history- established by giants like Halsey, Burke, Nimitz, Fluckey, Krulak, Astronaut Sumi Williams and most recently Major Doug Zembiec a standard by which each of you will be held accountable. Commitments made and fulfilled- commitments to God, a commitment to defend our Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, commitments to your shipmates and fellow Marines, to your spouse, and your community- all of these commitments, made and fulfilled, will be the measure of your character'. </p>
<p>The Honor Concept charges midshipmen to maintain the highest standards of personal integrity. The Concept is simple, yet it covers all facets of a midshipman's life; forming the link to the high standards demanded of naval officers in a life of service. It represents the minimum standard for midshipmen. Honor, personal integrity and loyalty to the service, its customs and its traditions, are fundamental characteristics essential to a successful naval officer.</p>