We hear many discouraging words about the future of our country due to the lack of commitment of young people to values which have held communities together over the years.

However, if the young men I met over last weekend are indicative of the quality of leadership on the horizon, there is reason for great joy and encouragement. I officiated at the wedding of Neal Holland, son of Scott and Karen Holland, and Kylen Hopkins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins, on Kiawah Island, S.C.

The women were out doing their thing, i.e., nails, hair, facials, etc., while the groom and his groomsmen and ushers congregated at the home the Hollands rented on Kiawah Island.

I didn't get acquainted with the women as I did the men and I was greatly impressed with the calibre of young men poised to become the present and future leaders. All of the men had either grown up with Neal, or met him during college years and developed that bond between them.

They were intelligent, articulate, able to be serious while, at the same time, enjoy the moments leading up to, and including, the wedding. They were handsome standing in the wedding with their tuxes, etc. Some were still in school, working on advanced degrees.

Neal himself will begin medical school in the fall. Others were already out of school, gainfully employed and making their mark.

I couldn't help but feel, as I saw these young men handle their responsibilities at the wedding and relate with people of different generations with a sense of confidence, that our world is in good hands.

If they represent the next generation of leaders, we can move into the future with a great sense of confidence and hope.