Speech
United States Army Induction Ceremony
US Embassy Kolonia Deputy Chief of Mission William “Doug” Douglass
Friday, June 20, 2009 — Ocean View Plaza Hotel, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
First, let me say “CONGRATULATIONS.” You saw an opportunity, you went for it, and you made it. I wish I could tell you now that the difficult part is over, but I’m afraid that’s not true. You don’t become a member of the world’s best armed forces just by taking an exam. The physical and mental training you will experience at boot camp may cause you to question whether the Army is the right career for you. It may even test your resolve to complete the training at all.
But once you get through it you will become a member of a very special organization, the United States Army. Its traditions date back to before the creation of the United States itself. The Continental Congress first authorized the formation of armed units in 1775. From those humble beginnings, the US Army became the greatest fighting force in the world, but not without its trials.
In the 1860s, America fought a Civil War resulting in over 600,000 deaths, the bloodiest conflict in our history. Subsequent wars in the 20th century killed 500,000 or so American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. But because of them and their brethren, not only did the United States survive, it flourished. Our country became strong enough to extend its hand in friendship thousands of miles across the Pacific, to the peoples of Micronesia. Thanks to our close relationship, Micronesian soldiers have served in the U.S. armed forces for many years, an arrangement that helps guarantee the freedom of both countries. Today, soldiers from Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap stand side by side with soldiers from Texas, California, New York and Tennessee, protecting our mutual liberty and independence.
In this day and age I particularly salute your decision to join the Army. We live in troubled times. For the last seven years or so, Micronesians and Americans alike have watched their sons and daughters go off to war. I stand here before you today not as an American diplomat. I stand here before you today not as a representative of the U.S. government. No, I stand before you today as a grateful citizen on behalf of a grateful country. I can’t help but be inspired by the service of our soldiers and humbled by the sacrifice of their families.
Parents, I know that as you look at your son or daughter you are filled with immense pride. I know too, that you carry concern in your heart, for we are a nation at war, and your child has chosen to become a soldier. But the service our nation is asking for is important work not just for the United States and Micronesia, but for people everywhere who love liberty. Your child will be in a position to make the world a better place.
I want to thank all the parents for instilling in their sons and daughters the traits of character, courage, and honor. The US Army likes to take credit for teaching these traits to its soldiers, but that really isn’t true. Your children wouldn’t be here today if they didn’t possess those qualities already. Character is what you learn while sitting on your mother’s knee. Courage is what you learn while standing by your father’s side. Honor is what you learn from watching both parents treat others with dignity and respect. On behalf of myself, Sergeants Fox, Jack, and Asher, I’d like to say thank you for all your hard work and for a job well done.
To all the new inductees, the importance of the path you’ve chosen cannot be underestimated. There’s a poem posted in a Pentagon office that sums up the gifts the American soldier has given to each and every one of us. With your permission I’d like to end my remarks with some of its words.
It’s the soldier, not the minister, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
The first step of your journey has now begun. I want to wish everyone a long and successful career. Thank you very much.