This Veterans Day, we honor all who have solemnly sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice!
On every day after, let us continue to strive towards a more perfect union as we fulfill the promises of the American Dream. May God continue to bless America!
Cedric E. Pringle
RDML USN (Retired)
Founded in a Philadelphia Tavern on 10 November 1775, the United States Marine Corps has forged a legendary legacy, while answering our nation’s call, for the past 248 years. From muzzle loaders, Browning Automatic Rifles (BAR), the F-35 Lightning and down to the deadliest weapon in the Marine Corps arsenal—the individual Marine, Marines have struck fear into the hearts and minds of our nation’s enemies. As we celebrate this 248th anniversary of the nation’s foremost warrior class—The United States Marine Corps, let us reflect on the words of The Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
“Marines, you are the strength of our Corps, and your actions determine the fate of millions of future warriors and their ability to stand on your shoulders. I know that you are ready. Take pride in what you represent, you are the pinnacle of professional warriors and the model for others to follow. SMMC Ruiz and I are proud to stand among you and we’ll be with you every step of the way.”
~ 39th Commandant, General Eric Smith.
“As we come together to celebrate our 248th Birthday, I encourage every Marine to reflect on our history, and think about the moment when you asked yourself, do I have what it takes? You are on a journey that few have dared to do.”
~20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, SgtMaj Carlos Ruiz
The National Naval Officers Association wishes all you Leathernecks Jarheads Devildogs Soldiers of the Sea Marines, and your families a Happy 248th Birthday!
“…in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Isaiah 30:15
Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to be quiet when you feel you have been wronged. It is human nature to defend our honor, especially when our reputation and credibility have been attacked. We don’t want these false accusations going out into the atmosphere. Lies are like millions of feathers in the wind. We cannot control their direction or recollect them.
In truth, our desire to defend ourselves is wrapped up in ego. We’re worried about how others perceive us. We don’t want people to think we’re weak or they can walk all over us. So, we immediately go to war when someone defames us because this cannot stand! This is a sign of weakness, and it gets exhausting after a while. We can’t fight everybody. And the truth is, the higher you go in leadership, the more it will happen. You become an easier target. No leader in history has walked this earth with an impeccable reputation. People are going to think what they want.
New level, new devil. Accept it. It’s not going to change.
So, what can we do?
Remain silent.
The ability to remain silent in the face of persecution shows immense strength. I did not understand the power of silence until my final year of grad school, when I had worn myself out from trying to fight and defend everything and everybody. I realized I was fighting a war I could not win. If people don’t like you, then they are not going to believe you. Conversely, those who like you are going to support you regardless. So why bother trying to defend yourself? People are going to believe whatever they want to believe.
There is such power and freedom when we release our ego. When we stop caring one way or another about the opinions of others and walk in our truth, we have freed ourselves from a self-imposed prison. Most of the situations we stress about end up working out for our good when we are in a calm and rational state of mind. When we are reactive, then we tend to make matters worse. When we are proactive, the solution comes more quickly, and we save ourselves much energy.
Free yourself.
Remain silent in the face of difficulty and trust that the truth will come out and you will be vindicated.