My Commitment to America's Future
Commitment. In this powerful word resides a convicting definition: an agreement or pledge to do something in the future. When I think of the word commitment and all that it stands for, the character quality of love comes to mind. I once heard a sermon about what true love is all about, and it was far from what I was seeing and hearing around me. Love, as the sermon stated, does not lie within good wording or good intentions. Love is known by its actions - selfless actions that put others ahead of itself. Commitment can also be viewed in the same way. Like love, commitment is known by its actions. And like love, commitment embodies both responsibility and loyalty. These three aspects of commitment unite to form the dedicated focus necessary to take action for the betterment of America�s future. Utilizing this definition of commitment, I have already fulfilled my obligation to America�s future, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. What is my pledge to America? I have chosen to serve my country as an Officer in the United States Military. The commitment I have made to my country is one of selfless service, loyalty, love of country, and dedication to improve America's future. My commitment to her will stand fast.
The story of my commitment begins on Sept 11, 2001, the day I truly began to understand the extreme sacrifice given by men and women of the past for the freedoms I enjoy today. As I listened to President Bush address our nation on the eve of that fateful day, I realized that our country was on the brink of war. My first thought was of what I would be doing during the war. Could I, in good conscience, continue to live my ordinary, peaceful life in light of all the men and women who would be giving up their lives for my freedom? At that moment, I made the decision to serve my country - in war or in peace.
My patriotic reaction to the events of September 11th did not fade into the mundane occurrences of the passing months. Like love, my commitment to America�s future does not lie in good intentions, but, in the words of James M. Paramore, �Commitment is a binding, but happy, response to duty. It is at once peaceful yet compelling, for it obligates one to action.�, I too have solidified my commitment to America�s future through the actions I have taken. In search of how I could better serve my country, I applied and was accepted to the United States Naval Academy�s Summer Seminar. Upon completion of the seminar, I realized the Academy could help me protect and preserve America�s future by further developing me morally, mentally, and physically and by imbuing me with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty.
My commitment to America's future stands strong today. As I actively pursue an appointment to one of our nation�s outstanding service academies, I know I am taking the actions necessary to fulfill my commitment to America�s future.
And my commitment to America's future will continue. I will be one of America's future leaders, in military and civilian life. Not for the purpose of self aggrandizement, but to be in a position to instill in the next generation the values that have made my country great. Self sacrifice, dedication, loyalty, love of country, and love of freedom are just a few of the qualities that I will continue to demonstrate as I journey through life. As a future leader of my country, I will continue training the next generation to be able to confidently eclipse the effort of those before them.
With my commitment to America�s future comes an extreme desire to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for my freedom. The greatest honor I have ever been given was to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery this summer. As I stood facing the brilliant white marble Tomb, hand over heart, tears came to my eyes as the bugle�s sweet, sad notes reverberated through the air and settled respectfully on the ground. Through it all, only two words iterated through my mind: Thank you. I knew their sacrifice. It is one I am ready to make. And as I stood on the pristine marble steps that day at the Tomb, I told them that I would strive to complete their dreams - dreams of a brighter future for all Americans - by continuing to fulfill my commitment to America�s future through my acts of responsibility, loyalty, and love of country.
