Responsibility

In just a few moments, you will take an oath — not to a person, not to a political party, but to the Constitution.

As officers, you are about to be granted one of the greatest privileges and most sacred duties that our nation can bestow: to lead American service members.

The effort is optional, but the truth is sacred, unalterable, chiseled into the stone of the foundation of our republic.

The work that is called for, that we must do, has no expiration date. It is the construction of our more perfect union, and that job will never, ever be completed.

Every day, every year, and for every graduating class, there is a choice to be made: those who embrace liberty and freedom for all, those who won't, or those who are indifferent. Only the first do the work.

When you respect the law and the rights of all — because if you don't, who will? When your food is brought to you, when you thank the server — because if you don't, who will? When you pick up the litter that has missed the recycling bin — because if you don't, who will?

Your challenge as a leader is to treat every single person with equal dignity and respect, and find ways to unlock everyone's talent.

What did you do with your life? It is my sincere hope that you will begin a 50-year journey that allows you to answer quite simply: I made a difference.

It is an artist's duty to reflect the times in which we live. And it is also a banker's duty. It's a lawyer's duty, a doctor's duty, a teacher's duty, an engineer's duty, a plumber's duty, a nurse's duty. A mom's and dad's duty.

The challenges we face go well beyond a virus, and the old normal wasn't good enough.

Don't fall for the easy cynicism that says, 'Nothing can change.' Or that there's only one way to bring about change.

Technology doesn't change who we are — it magnifies who we are, the good and the bad.