Oyo

I don't remember what I was doing when Walter Cronkite retired from the CBS Evening News on February 14, 1980 - 3 days before my 4th birthday. My earliest memories of that news program revolve around Dan Rather, the man who succeeded him in fantastic fashion. But I do have the benefit of the historical record and the relatively short time I've been able to enjoy his more recent work to form an opinion of one of the last great journalists of the United States. That opinion is best summed up in what follows - my goodbye to a total stranger who many of us here saw as a close confidant.

Thank you, Walter, for having put yourself on the line to shine the light of truth on our world. You are among those who inspired me to express myself, even if that inspiration had to come from the historical record rather than experiencing you first hand like those of the generation before me did. I salute your courage and unwavering journalistic integrity. Unlike the pundits of today who are often "embedded" with the very people they are expected to critique, you were a true patriot and loyal member of the Fourth Estate. Whatever else you may have done in your private life, you were highly professional in your public one. Your great service to us - the people of America and the people of the world - will never be forgotten.

If I could accomplish a tenth of what you did, Walter, I would be twice the man I am today. May others aspire to at least such a meager goal and may we all achieve it.