Protecting America and Building Her Future At The Same Time

I was down at Parris Island a couple of days last week, and a lot of you will know immediately that a trip to that honored place has to do with the United States Marines. It is the place where volunteers are turned into Marines in one of the most rigorous military training grounds in the world. And, yes, we were down there for a reason ... four young men from here were graduating from that intense training they call Boot Camp: Corey Duplantis, Juan Merced, Ryan Sawyer and Francisco Ubaldo. Not every recruit makes it through Marine Boot Camp and earns the right to be called a Marine, but these four did ... and in the midst of summer on the coast of South Carolina, too. And, yes, if you listened to their names, you will know one of them was a grandson. And we have never been prouder in our life.

But there was another thought that kept coming through my mind that did not just have to do with America's volunteer military, or even the intensity of the Marine Corps. As we sat in those hot stands watching the final review, and having met a number of the new Marines, the thought struck me that America is in good hands. There is a focus from the beginning on Honor, Courage and Commitment ... and it has always impressed me that the first of these is Honor. For the Marines it begins this way: "Honor guides Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior; to never lie, cheat or steal; to abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; to respect human dignity and respect others. ... to act responsibly; to be accountable for their actions; to fulfill their obligations; and to hold others accountable for their actions."

And I looked at those proud new Marines, volunteers all, and the thought struck me: not only is America in good hands from a military standpoint, but we also have just laid some solid groundwork for this nation's future leadership.

This is Gordon Sawyer and may the wind always be at your back.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/9/172995