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| Remarks by Senator Moore - “First for Right and Freedom and to Keep Your Honor Clean” |
| Graduation Address to the Blackstone Valley Young Marines |
| Delivered at the Franklin Elks in Franklin, MA |
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May 20, 2006 -
Commanding Officer Dan Ferris, Members of the Marine Corps League, parents and guests and, especially, the 2006 graduating class of Blackstone Valley Young Marines… America’s third president, Thomas Jefferson, once noted that “It is while we are young that the habit of industry is formed. If not then, it is never afterwards. The fortune of our lives, therefore, depends on employing well the short period of our youth.” As a youth education and service program for boys and girls, ages 8 through completion of high school, the Young Marines seek to promote the mental, moral, and physical development of its members. The focus of the program on character building, leadership, and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle, are all critical endeavors for young Americans of this 21st Century. “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” the motto of the Marine Corps League reflects the view that, having trained and been tested, a young man or woman who has earned the title of “Marine,” those qualities that were essential to earning the title will form the foundation of who and what that person will become later in life. When the word, “MARINE” is spoken, it has – as a result of the performance of Marines throughout our history – commands respect and honor from others as exemplary of American excellence. Similarly, as each of today’s graduates have earned the title of “Young Marine,” the adults who work with you in this program, in certifying you as a graduate entitled to be considered as a “Young Marine,” have expressed the belief that you are the type of young person who will always bring respect to the name “Marine” in all your actions in the future. The third stanza of the U. S. Marine Corps Hymn holds special significance “First to fight for right and freedom, And to keep our honor clean.” Whether you ever aspire to become a member of the Marine Corps when you finish school, you would never go wrong is you live your life by the concept of standing up for right and freedom while always keeping your honor clean. That means to standing up to those who try to bully you or who may be bullying someone else – not necessarily with physical force, but by letting the “bully” know that he or she can’t be one of your friends if they try to hurt others either physically or verbally. It means that you don’t approve of their actions and you will not take their side no matter how popular they might seem at the time. Keeping your honor clean means obeying the rules, working respectfully to try to understand the purpose and maybe even trying to change rules that seem unfair, not cheating or condoning cheating in others, being truthful with yourself and others, accepting the consequences of your actions, learning from your mistakes, always trying to be better at whatever you do in school or in life, treating others with respect. Keeping your honor clean also means to choose your friends and those you admire with care. Even if your friends aren’t part of the Young Marines, you should still hold them to the same high standards that I just mentioned that are expected of Young Marine graduates. As for those we call our heroes, we need to be equally careful. Just because someone is good looking, seems popular, or is a great athlete doesn’t entitle them to your support or approval. Too many of our great athletes or movie stars are not really great as your own parents, teachers, local veterans, or coaches. Sometimes those who most deserve to be our heroes are right in front of us, not in the sports arena or on TV or in the movies. How many sports stars or celebrities use drugs or abuse alcohol or unfaithful to their spouses or children? They are not worthy to be your heroes. Of course, some famous stars have used their fame and fortune to support causes that help others. Doug Flutie, who just retired from a great football career, has raised millions of dollars to fight the condition of autism, inspired to do so because his son, Doug Flutie, Jr. is afflicted with the mental condition. Other stars such as Bono of the Irish band U-2, has fought famine and poverty around the world. Real stars don’t just take our admiration and money; they give back to society and make a real difference in the lives of others. When I was in high school, one of my political heroes was John F. Kennedy who served all too briefly as our President. Years ago, before he left Massachusetts to live in the White House in Washington, he spoke to the Massachusetts Legislature where I have the honor to serve. His words from that time, should serve as an important guide for our Blackstone Valley Young Marines and, indeed, for all Americans. He said: “For those to whom much is given, much is required. And when at some future date the high court of history sits in judgment on each of us – recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled our responsibilities…our success or failure…will be measured by the answers to four questions: “First, were we truly men of courage – with the courage to stand up to one’s enemies – and the courage to stand up, when necessary, to one’s associates – the courage to resist public pressure, as well as private greed? “Secondly, were we truly men of judgment – with perceptive judgment of the future as well as the past – of our mistakes as well as the mistakes of others – with enough wisdom to know what we did not know and enough candor to admit it? “Third, were we truly men of integrity – men who never ran out on either the principles in which we believed or the people who believed in us – men whom neither financial gain nor political ambition could ever divert from the fulfillment of our sacred trust? “Finally, were we truly men of dedication – with an honor mortgaged to no single individual or group, and comprised of no private obligation or aim, but devoted solely to serving the public good and the national interest? These qualities – courage, judgment, integrity, and dedication – are qualities that all of the Young Marines have begun to demonstrate in this program. We all look to these new graduates to continue to strengthen those qualities of character to support them in standing up for right and freedom and as they keep their honor clean throughout their lives. Everyone here today, congratulates them and wishes them well as they continue life’s journey. |
