Personal Commemoration - Reflection #7

The event I have chosen is my graduation.  It will be a ceremony recognizing the completion of my high school education, as well as a turning point in my life as I leave my home to go to college, with more responsibility and independence.  The commemoration celebration of my high school graduation will last 12 hours, taking place at the high school, involving a 12 course meal as well as the receiving of 12 gifts.  Parents will give 1 gift to graduates, as a symbol of the last dependence the graduates will have on the parents before leaving for college, and the graduates will give gifts to 11 students who have not graduated yet, to signify passing on the responsibilities of a senior to the underclassmen.  Other festivities may include a movie-watching, playing games or sports, and making/listening to music (perhaps even a 12-act show or concert).

Words to be said at the commencement of the festival:
12 grades have been passed.  12 years you have persevered.  12 lifetimes you have given.  Now we give these 12 hours to you.

The Morality of Greek Myths

King Dionysius I of Syracuse

My myth was Damon and Pythias, a story of true friendship.  In Syracuse lived two young men, Damon and Pythias, who were the truest friends anyone could have.  The reigning king of Syracuse, Dionysius, was a tyrant, cruel and unjust, and sentences Pythias to death.  Pythias wanted to settle his affairs before death, but was forced to leave someone in his place to ensure his return.  Damon came to take his place, and Pythias went to do what he needed to.  But Pythias was held up by obstacles and was late, so Dionysius prepared Damon's execution.  However, Pythias came just before Damon was killed, and this act of friendship caused Dionysius to revoke the death sentence and ask Pythias and Damon to be his friends.
The moral of the story is to be faithful to your friends and they will be faithful to you, as shown by Damon's initial trust in Pythias that he would return and not leave him to die.  Pythias does remain faithful and comes back to die, saving Damon.  Thus the virtue that is advocated through this myth is loyalty to friends.