Ken Burns, H’24 Keynote Address to Brandeis University's 2024 Graduates

Ken Burns, H’24 delivered the keynote address to the 2024 undergraduate class during the 73rd Commencement Exercises.

[zenaidaelepano]

I am 81 years old, lawyer, retired judge, professor for 57 years, mother of 3 and grandmother of 6, and I have never heard a more magnificent deeply moving speech, commencement or otherwise, in my entire life than this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mr. Burns.

[markm]

I don’t believe it is overstated to say that this speech is a masterpiece. It speaks an undeniable truth about our nation and only adds to Ken Burns’ legacy as one of America’s great storytellers.

[hadlee]

Bravo Mr. Burns, a commencement speech for the ages, & especially for these trying times...Thank you!

[PeacefulVox]

I am in tears listening to the wise words of this good man. We are so blessed to have this great historian and patriot, to teach us all. Thank you, Ken Burns, for entertaining, challenging, holding up a mirror, and helping to "form a more perfect Union". I am a 64 year old retired state prosecutor, after 30 years of practice devoted to giving voice to victims of crime. After a life revering the work of government, public service, and the courts, the current morally bankrupt state of the Supreme Court breaks my heart. We pass on to the next generation a Nation less free, less united, Earth polluted, and divisions so deep they seem insurmountable. We can do better and we must.

[pwsalem]

Ken Burns outlined more than a commencement speech, he delivered the ultimate master class to all. Bravo!👏

[elizabethshepherd]

Brilliant! Mr Burns has always made history come alive for me and in this speech, he made "today" come alive. Perpetuate the experiment, refuse to be a Trump slave!

[Pritchardia]

I don't even remember who spoke at my commencement, 46 years ago. These kids are lucky - this speech was memorable. I hope they listened and took every word to heart.

[mikesciales]

I'm a 70 ear old retired military lawyer, served the nation during three wars. I was moved by Mr. Burns eloquent words.

[seanoshea]

There is reason for hope to sustain this Democracy. Thank you Brandeis and Mr. Burns!

[patcomerford]

This amazing address is the Gettysburgh Address for 2024. Thank you Mr. Burns.👏👏👏

[gailsolo]

God bless you, Ken Burns! What a magnificent speech, so desperately needed for our times of turmoil. Your contributions to bettering the American people through the powerful stories of our history are inestimable.

[josephvitale]

Tremendous speech, Ken is always trying to make us all better people. We should all try and make this world a better place for all people.

[SCalabrese]

The best speech I’ve ever heard; should be spread far and wide.

[sandraseldon]

This commencement speech is truly the best commentary I have ever read. Ken Burns words should be heeded by all citizens with such an important election in the fall.

[marycellucci]

This speech should be
Aired on television.
PBS.

[lindapaletti]

Ken Burns is my absolute hero. I have always admired his work. This was such a powerful speech and I hope with all my heart that people will really listen to it and understand what he is talking about

[ByronWoolley-xt]

Wow, concise description of how history should be viewed. Burns can lay claim as, Historian of Historians.Thank you Ken Burns for your Service to History and us.

[ActionJ]

This should be listened to by every American...thank you Ken Burns❤

[E.Houghton]

Every 2024 graduate - and everyone else - should listen to Ken Burns' 20 minutes of wisdom for this critical year, this critical time in the stability of the world.

[ianpierce]

In a sane world, this would go viral. Every citizen needs to hear it.