Over the next few weeks, there will be many high school graduation parties. In an era when some parts of the state still have graduation rates well below fifty percent, graduating from high school is still an accomplishment that should be celebrated. Graduating from high school is the beginning of a new phase in a young person's life, and after high school, it is a time when an individual must make important decisions that will likely influence the rest of their life.

In my case, I made my share of boneheaded decisions in my youth. I certainly should have gone to college after high school rather than wait until I hit my mid-thirties. I think that is one reason why I have been so insistent that my son Thomas went right into college and lived on campus. His making the dean's list every semester at SUNY Brockport tells me that it was a good decision, and as a parent, I am blessed to share in his success.

Nonetheless, college is not the only path to happiness, nor is it for everybody. One of the alternatives is to enter the armed forces, like my nephew Josh Zeliff decided to do. Even though he is not my child, I have come to love and respect Josh and his family (I have been blessed with not only a wonderful supportive wife, but a fantastic set of in-laws as well). When Tracy and I found out he was going into the Marines we were both proud and concerned, after all, we are still a nation at war.

That concern still exists, but it is tempered by the realization that our country needs intelligent young men of high moral character to defend its freedoms. Without our armed forces we would have no way to defend the liberties we cherish, like the freedoms of speech and the press which allows me to write this column every week.

This nation has so many celebrations to honor those who serve this country in war and in peace, and rightfully so. All of the military veterans were once young like Josh, and had to decide what path to take and they made the choice that they felt was the best. Those who entered the military bring honor to their families and to their community.

As is the case with many young people that enter the service, one of Josh's most enduring traits is his humility. I almost think that being humble and selfless is a prerequisite for military service because so many veterans never ask for anything in return in spite of their sacrifice to the nation. I have no doubt that Josh will do very well in the Marine Corps, and yet he will never brag of his accomplishments.

As I wrote earlier, everyone has to choose the path that is right for him or her. For those young people who are going in to the armed forces, I thank you in advance, for I know that our nation's freedoms are being well protected.