Constitutional rights engender civic responsibilities | Robert McCoy

This brings to mind Douglas MacArthur’s May 12, 1962, address to the graduating class at the West Point Military Academy, the theme of which was that institution’s motto of “Duty, Honor, Country.”

There is a single word in another language that conveys the complex message behind those three words on which MacArthur based his speech that day. It is the Japanese word giri, which has no equivalent in English. I cite it here to expand on what those esteemed words, “Duty, Honor, Country,” ought to mean to all citizens these days.

Giri embodies a dedication to something bigger than oneself. It imperfectly translates to "duty," "obligation," or "social burden." Taken in whole, it represents the moral debt and allegiance owed, in this case, to one’s country. It often requires individuals to place social well-being and civic responsibilities above personal desires. Indeed, we must recognize that our constitutional rights come with commensurate responsibilities.

Referring back to those military heroes who gave their lives in defense of our country, all of them had sworn an oath that in part is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Note well that the oath — still in use today — refers not to any political party, not to any military leader, not to any governmental official. It refers exclusively to the ideals of the United States of America as set forth in the Supreme Law of the Land, our Constitution.

The United States has given us a land of privilege, one of democracy and personal freedoms not seen anywhere on earth before this country was birthed in the blood, sweat, and tears of our forefathers. Have no doubt, it is not perfect, but as the Preamble to our venerated Constitution states, we united into one country striving “to form a more perfect union.”

Yet much work remains to fulfill our lofty goals and — in light of the differences that threaten to rend this country today — it requires more sweat and likely more tears, but hopefully not more blood. So, as we celebrate the day of our nation’s birth, let us set our individual and collective futures toward the preservation of our homeland as we strive toward that more perfect union.

What better way to honor those who made the ultimate expression of giri in sacrificing their lives to establish and then to perpetuate our great nation? Let us all embrace a citizen’s sense of giri as expressed by “Duty, Honor, Country” for a better future as the Beacon of Democracy for us all.