In front of 23,000 cheering and crying fans, Andre Agassi walked off the international tennis scene into a state of retirement. His goodbye speech ripped at the hearts of his many fans, who thanked him for the numerous years of service to the sport. It was laden with drama and extremely touching.

Just a thought: Wouldn't it be wonderful and gratifying if every retiree could get an equivalent to Andre's send-off into retirement?

As a dentist who retired in Queens almost 12 years ago, mine was rather mundane and understated. No rousing cheers or shedding of tears or beating of the breasts of my patients. I had treated thousands of people in my 40 years of service.

How about "the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker?" How about the milkman, the gas attendant, the policeman, the sanitation worker, the stockbroker, etc.? Aren't they entitled to a glorious goodbye with flags waving and drums beating? Are just a pension and the promise of a Social Security check every month enough for the citizen who has rendered service to the community?

Andre deserves his day in the sun.

He entered the tennis world a rambunctious, long-haired rebel in his teens and left the scene a mature (bald) father of two with a great history of charity and do-goodism. He is reputed to have given over $60 million to charity.

This column is being written with my tongue firmly implanted in my cheek. I know that applause is deserved only for the few. Only the movie actors, baseball, football and basketball heroes and show people are entitled to the wild clapping of hands and the screaming out loud of praise and admiration.

John and Jane Doe will have to be satisfied with the firm handshake and the gold watch, given for years of good service on the job. All of us, Andre included, have to figure out what we will do and/or accomplish in the remaining years.

It is a day-by-day struggle for relevance and meaning. Some will do better than others.

Good luck to Andre and best wishes to all the past and future retirees.