Citadel graduation mix of past, present and future feats

The Citadel's commencement ceremony Saturday embodied the school's cherished legacy of venerating the past, upholding tradition and continuing to break new ground.

Citadel faculty and trustees celebrated the accomplishments of the 470 graduates of the Class of 2008, which included 448 cadets, 20 active duty students and two veteran students. Thousands of their family and friends packed into McAlister Field House to cheer them on. U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham wished them well in his address.

But all eyes weren't focused just on the Class of 2008.

Members from the Class of 1944, known as the "class that never was," were honored for their bravery 64 years ago when the entire Corps of Cadets was called up during their junior year to fight in World War II.

While 34 members of the class died in the war, their legacies live on by a plaque on the front wall of the college's chapel.

On behalf of the remaining members of the Class of 1944, A. Lee Chandler, a retired South Carolina Supreme Court chief justice, spoke in admiration of the fond experiences they shared while attending The Citadel.

"Today," Chandler said, "...the Class of '44 is not 'the class that never was,' but in the hearts and minds and souls of our great Citadel family, we are the class that lives forever!"