Honor

Today I leave for 5 weeks of active duty with the Marine Corps at Camp LeJeune. Actually, I have to leave my apartment in about 20 minutes and the only reason I have time to write this morning is because my tie for my Service Alpha uniform tied quicker than normal (and the uniform still fits! I may have actually lost weight since boot camp...). Still, this post will probably be brief. Anyhow... back to the Marines... You can understand how this might be directing my thoughts this morning.

What I was thinking about mostly was honor. In the Marines, we have three core values (which we have in common with the Navy): Honor, Courage, and Commitment. However, the way I see it the other two are covered under honor. For example, to know what must be done, but to be too afraid to do it is a failing of courage. I also see it as being dishonorable. To risk or give ones life for another I see as being the most honorable action any person can make. We even have the Medal of Honor for actions "of conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty." It seems evident to me that courage is intrinsic to honor.

Commitment too I see as being a part of honor. One can give his or her word that something will be accomplished, but if they lack the commitment to see that through, they dishonor themselves. There is no honor in giving up or quitting, and as such, I see commitment as covered by honor as well.

When it comes down to it, I think if someone were to describe me in one word, I would want it to be honor. I don't know if they would, but that aspiration I see as being worthy of my efforts. Even if honor only includes courage and commitment, think of what being an honorable person would mean. They are unwilling to yield to their fears. They stay the course and make the necessary sacrifices to keep their word. They are loyal and steadfast. What if we applied that in our lives? Marriages? Friendships? What if we all lived for honor?