It was heartening to see an article about Brown honoring Veterans Day ("Freedom's Guardians," Elms, November/December). I applaud President Simmons's efforts to reconnect with the military, and I was especially touched to see her attend the commissioning of a graduate into the U.S. Army during Commencement last spring.

The November/December article notes that students became less interested in military service as the University's "culture changed." While that may be true, the essence of the college experience is to follow one's path, and there should be nothing incongruous about attending Brown and choosing military service. I have no doubt that Brown's military tradition will live on.

Martin T. Velazquez '94
Carrollton, Tex.
martnvelazquez@hotmail.com