LEXINGTON -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, speaking at yesterday's commencement exercises at the Virginia Military Institute, urged graduating cadets to commit themselves to public service, both as civilians and soldiers.

"We live in a time of great necessity, a time when we cannot avoid the burden of global leadership -- the stakes are too high," Gates told the 246 graduating cadets inside Cameron Hall. "It is precisely during these times that America needs its best and brightest from all walks of life to step forward and commit to public service, to exchange the life of ease and contentment and take on the burden."

More than half of the graduating class -- 129 cadets -- were commissioned as officers in the nation's armed forces Thursday. School officials said others in the class intend to join the military in coming months.

Among those heading into the Army was Class of 2008 valedictorian Jesse Burnette, a history major from Marion, N.C. Burnette was commissioned as a second lieutenant tasked to the infantry.

"There is not one graduate who has not been tried or tested over the past four years," Burnette said. "I have no doubt that the Class of 2008 will bring great honor to their country."

Gates praised the school's ability to provide officers for the military, noting that 1,200 graduates have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001 and 75 had to put their education on hold after being called to active duty. He also paid tribute to eight graduates killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While the bulk of his brief speech was aimed at encouraging military service, Gates also urged students to think of the greater good no matter what profession they chose, to join him in the ranks of "idealists and optimists."

"We actually believe we can make the lives of others better, that we can make a contribution to the life of the greatest country in the history of the world," Gates said.

The defense secretary closed by stating that public service is key to the nation's security and global standing.

"If in the 21st century America is to continue to be a force for good in the world, for freedom, justice, the rule of law and the inherent value of each person, if America is to be, still, a beacon for all the oppressed, if America is to exercise global leadership consistent with our better angels," he said, "then the most able and idealistic of today's young people must step forward and agree to serve their country with the same honor and courage and dignity that marked the service of a long line of patriots that came before them."
Contact Rex Bowman at (540) 344-3612 or rbowman@timesdispatch.com.