Not far from here on the Halloward grounds of Fort Liberty near the intersection of

Iraq, Merritt, and Ardennes. In essence to the green marble is a quote from the 35th

President of the United States, and it reads that the Green Beret is again becoming a symbol

of excellence, a badge, of courage, and a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom.

President Kennedy also challenged us and challenged our nation to go to the moon,

not because it was easy, but because it was hard.

I talk a lot about an article I read a while ago, in which the author wrote about how today's youth,

well, they're lazy.

They're lazy in language and communication.

They don't seek hard work, nor have the endurance to see it through.

They are nor gritty or resolute, and they lack ambition.

That article was from an op-ed in the

1938 edition of the Chicago Tribune. The youth the author talked about went on to

parachute behind enemy lines in France and stormed beaches like Omaha and Utah

ultimately becoming the greatest generation.

And as great as that generation was, I believe that your generation can be even greater.

It's an objective that has the audacity to place you into the arena, and it's an objective that dares you to try. And that objective is simply to ensure that our flag is still there.

Chose a rugged path, arduous, ill-defined, but no promises of riches nor reward.

He chose the journey over the destination.

He surely chose the task over credit.

And our nation will require answers without even knowing the questions, but answer you will.

And we will answer them together.

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