| The Congress is a co-equal branch of government that under the Constitution raises armies and provides for navies. While you read about the intense debate over Iraq, you need to know that members of both parties now serving in Congress have long been strong supporters of the Department of Defense, and of our men and women in uniform. As officers, you will have a responsibility to communicate to those below you that the American military must be non-political and recognize the obligation we owe the Congress to be honest and true in our reporting to them. Especially when it involves admitting mistakes or problems.
The same is true with the press, in my view a critically important guarantor of our freedom. When the press identifies a problem in the military, our response should be to find out if the allegations are true — and if so, say so, and then act to remedy the problem. If untrue, then be able to document that fact. The press is not the enemy, and to treat it as such is self-defeating.
As the Founding Fathers wisely understood, the Congress and a free press, as with a non-political military, assure a free country. A point underscored by a French observer writing about George Washington in 1782. He wrote: "This is the seventh year that he has commanded the army, and that he has obeyed the Congress. More need not be said."
Finally, we hear a good deal about men and women who volunteered for military service in the wake of the September 11th attacks. For you Firsties, your admissions applications for the Academy would have come due early in 2004. By that point, it had become clear that Iraq as well as Afghanistan would be long, grinding, and complex campaigns. Your decision to come here, and the decision of all the Academy classes here that followed, was made with the knowledge of almost certain deployment to a distant and dangerous battlefield, with the likelihood of more tours to follow. Each of you — with your talents, intelligence, and record of accomplishments — could have chosen something easier, or safer, and of course, better paid. But you took on the mantle of duty, honor, and country passed down the long gray line. The men and women who walked these halls and strode these grounds before you. For that, you have the profound gratitude and eternal admiration of the American people.
It is undoubtedly politically incorrect for me to say that I feel personally responsible for each and every one of you, as if you were my own sons and daughters. And so my only prayer is that you serve with honor and return home safely. And I personally thank you.
Good luck and Godspeed.
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