On January 6, 2021, as I watched the images of individuals storming the United States Capital, my heart broke for our country. I was reminded of the oath I took as a young military officer. The words of the oath have guided me through my adult life.
Although the oath is only two sentences, the words are powerful. The Oath of Commissioned Officers is as follow:
“I _________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So, help me, God.”
-Title 5 U.S. Code 3331
When I spoke the words, I agreed to defend the United States Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Although I understood the terms “all enemies, foreign and domestic,” I never imagined I would witness what I saw on January 6, 2021.
Now, I’m not here to debate political views or First Amendment rights. Every day I put on my uniform, I stood ready to defend the rights afforded to us by the Constitution, which is why my heart broke as I watched the news.
During my career as a public servant, military service, and an educator, I’ve had the opportunity to live and travel abroad. I have witnessed how other systems of government operate. What makes America unique is the framework established by the Constitution.
Yes, our Constitution gives us the right to free speech, assemble peaceably, and petition the Government for a redress of grievances. But what we witnessed on January 6th was not a peaceful assembly. The actions of a few jeopardized the fabric of our democracy.
The ideas and principles embodied in the Constitution are why individuals worldwide aspire to come to our country. Because of the rights we are afforded by the Constitution; our nation is a beacon of hope for many individuals.
So, why is the Constitution so important? Because at its foundation, it is a document of hope. The Preamble starts with, “We the People of the United States.” It challenges us to aspire to the greater good in each of us as a country.
So, how do we move forward as a country? It starts with leadership.
“A leader is a dealer in hope.”
– Napoleon Bonaparte
As I watched the recent events impacting our nation, Napoleon’s quote rang loudly in my head. Leaders must create the conditions for hope.
Now is the time for leaders to step up and lead!
Are you a dealer in hope?
#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim
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L U guys,
Jim&Linda