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Senator Barry M. Goldwater, SMA '28 (1909 - 1998)
Heritage Foundation In
Focus:Book Review
Photo courtesy Robert M. Wood, SMA '60
Senator Barry M. Goldwater, SMA ' 28, addresses the Corps in this 1960 photo.
I was 16 in June of 1953, and I still remember the newly elected U.S. Senator (November 1952) very vividly. I don't believe I had any choice about hearing him at the SMA 1953 graduation and probably didn't know he was going to be there. It was hot, very hot, and here was this very vigorous, macho guy, tieless in a white shirt with his sleeves rolled up. He spoke forcefully, had the cadets' attention. Yes, it was about "truth," being truthful to yourself and others.He always, as far as I know, told it like he saw it. I guess he was an extremist, because it made him unique for a major public figure! I will never regret the hours I spent working in his 1964 campaign as a flunky employee of the North Carolina Republican Party.
As we say in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, "MEMORY ETERNAL!!!"
Father W.M. Thomas Moffatt, SMA '54
The saddest aspect of the passing of American heroes like Barry Goldwater is the chilling absence of ones to take their places. The first election in which I was eligible to vote was in 1964 (and I haven't missed an election since), and his was the first booth lever I ever pulled. I had met my first liberals on campus (Chattanooga) that year, and they spoke the only truth I've heard from their ilk in 34 years: "If you vote for Goldwater, you'll be sent to fight in Vietnam!" Seven years later, flying home from my second combat tour there, I reflected on their intrinsic wisdom.Mike Byington, SMA '61
I briefly visited with Barry's wife and sister at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral the day before his funeral, and when his sister heard that I was an SMA alumni she threw her arms around me for a moment.Thousands of folks from all aspects of society turned out to view the closed, flag-draped casket at Trinity--the same church were Barry was baptized when he entered this lifetime on the first day of January 1909.
He was appointed to West Point while at SMA, but fate dealt Barry its own unique hand, sending him instead back to the then tiny, desert city of 1920's Phoenix, Arizona when his father Baron became ill--all taking place at the ending moments of his days at Staunton. Out of all that loss eventually emerged "Mr. Arizona," Senator Barry Morris Goldwater, SMA 28'
Alvin Burton Simon, SMA 49'
I have always be proud to say that I graduated from SMA and have felt nothing but pride regarding the Senator.Today at the funeral service, broadcast on CNN, the Senator's brother gave a wonderful review of the his life, and he mentioned and gave a great deal of credit to SMA for the values his brother enjoyed throughout his lifetime. We all can be proud of that.
George Dunigan, SMA '64
The officers, board of directors, and members of the Staunton Military Academy Alumni Association are deeply saddened by the death of our friend and alumni, Barry M. Goldwater Sr., SMA '28. We extend our condolences to his wife, Susan, his daughters, Joanne and Peggy, and his sons, Barry Jr., SMA '57, and Michael, SMA '58.Senator Goldwater entered Staunton Military Academy in September, 1924, and rose through the ranks, Commanding Company C with the rank of Captain during his senior year on "The Hill." He lettered in football, basketball, track and swimming. Additionally, he served on the editorial staff of the SMA newspaper, the Kablegram, and the staff of the yearbook, the Blue and Gold.
The Senator often spoke of his experiences during the years he spent in Staunton and of his love for the Shenandoah Valley and Virginia. He reminisced about his admiration for Coach Frank Summers, and Gen. Alexander "Sandy" Patch, and of the positive influence that both men had in the shaping of his character as well as his life.
The Staunton Military Academy family will share, with our nation, the loss of a true officer and gentleman.
Fred C. Burner, SMA '68
