26th Secretary of Defense General James Mattis Engages Students at Georgia Military College’s Leadership Speaker Series

On an overcast September morning, the 26th Secretary of Defense, General James "Jim" Mattis, was greeted by Georgia Military College President General William B. Caldwell, IV, at the South Gate of the GMC Campus. Behind them, uniformed cadets knelt on the brick walkway leading to the Old Capitol Building, inscribing the names of those lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the years that followed during the War on Terror. The Brick Ceremony, traditionally held on Patriot Day, had been moved to coincide with General Mattis' visit on the 12th, allowing him to personally engage in the school's annual act of remembrance and reflection.

Mattis, accompanied by Admiral Thomas C. Lynch, U.S. Navy (Ret.), the Executive Chairman of NewDay USA, and others from the Veteran's Mortgage company who sponsored the creation of GMC's new Center for Leadership building, joined cadets as they honored the fallen and reflected on the profound sacrifices made in defense of democracy.

Teachings of a Leader

Speaking with the students, Mattis shared his insights on leadership and service, engaging them in what he described as "imperative conversations" about their role in preserving the American principles of democracy.

"I talked to them about the need for admired and respected leaders who can bring the country together," Mattis said, reflecting on his dialogue with the cadets. "We're a diverse country, and diversity is good, but only if we can live by 'E pluribus unum,' meaning out of many, one. That's how we create unity and turn over a country to our children that we're all proud of."

Laying the Foundations of Tomorrow in the Bricks of Today

The Brick Ceremony offered a personal moment for cadets and prep school students to not only meet General Mattis and Admiral Lynch but also to engage with some of the nation's most esteemed military leaders. It underscored the significance of leadership, unity, and the responsibility each citizen has in the democratic process-a theme that resonates deeply with GMC as a leadership institute. The day continued with the official ribbon cutting of the NewDay USA Center for Leadership at Georgia Military College, as well as General Mattis's Keynote, punctuating a full week of events that began with the official unveiling of a Steve Penley's latest artwork, which will be forever displayed in the Center for Leadership's atrium."If you don't teach young people these things, we end up with problems because they don't know how to act in a democracy," Mattis remarked about his contribution to the Leadership Series.

"You're here to learn, to equip yourselves with the tools necessary to preserve and strengthen the 'noble experiment' that is democracy." Georgia Military College, with its deep-rooted commitment to fostering civility, community service, and providing hope and opportunity to underserved communities, commits itself to upholding a beacon for these types of discussions. Mattis underscored the importance of leadership institutions like GMC, where future leaders are not only educated but also challenged to think critically about their roles in society.

"Everyone needs mentors, teachers, coaches, and role models. None of us get where we are without them," Mattis said, "Here at Georgia Military College, we see the fruits of that-organized programs funded by NewDay USA, bright students asking thoughtful questions in this beautiful facility."

GMC's Center for Leadership

The NewDay USA Center for Leadership is now positioned to serve as a vital resource for both the school's Fine Arts programming as well as Events for the surrounding community. With a 753-seat theater equipped with a Broadway-capable fly system, classrooms, and spaces for interactive learning, the Center is designed to facilitate ongoing dialogue on leadership, service, and democracy.

Mattis' visit, following Admiral Michael G. Mullen's appearance at the inaugural Leadership Speaker Series event in May, has further cemented Georgia Military College's role as a place where leaders gather to engage in meaningful conversations about the nation's future. It is a space where ideas are shared, and the next generation of leaders is challenged to take up the mantle of service to their country and communities.

As General Mattis put it, "You are the stewards of our democracy. What you do with that responsibility will determine the future of this nation." With the NewDay USA Center of Leadership now open, Georgia Military College stands ready to continue its mission of cultivating leaders who will carry that responsibility with honor.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.