Ears to Hear

Reflections on June 20, 2026 about the day June 28, 1976

Generally, I believe in progress. I’m usually willing to leave old traditions in my wake and steer towards the innovations that appear on the horizon. But there is one particular value handed down to me over time that I have learned to steer by if I am to stay on course: the importance of the words I speak, particularly the promises I make.

The oath of office for military officers has deep roots. An early version of it, the oath to be taken by the President of the U.S., is included in the constitution itself. The version I swore to in 1976 is the same one you will raise your hand to in just nine days from now:

“I, [Name], do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

Military officers have taken an oath to this effect since 1884, with the words updated in 1966.

Today, words are often used loosely to attract attention. Sometimes, I want to comment in all caps, “WORDS HAVE MEANING!” But I don’t want to come across as a grumpy old man. Hopefully, you can hear me when I say that there are times when words need to be taken to heart because you are making a promise to live by.

I suppose that begs two questions: 1) what does it mean to support and defend the Constitution of the United States anyway? and 2) did I keep my promise?

Essentially, the oath calls upon us to defend the United States against forces that would harm it, whether they be from other countries or homegrown. But the word “constitution” has special meaning. It is the highest law of the land, and it also reflects the design of our system of government. One of the fundamental principles is that no leader or branch of government has ultimate authority. Those who wrote the Constitution were guided by the Christian principle that all people miss the mark in what we do and what we fail to do. Including those in high office. No human being is worthy of our ultimate allegiance.

Have I upheld my oath? I do remember when I took it: formed in ranks on the football field, dressed in chambray, and feeling the pressure of all the expectations and changes that came with the day. Still, I remember telling myself, “I believe this and will try to do what I’m promising.” The tag line, “So help me God” gave me hope.

It seems like He did help me. He put me in positions where I was actually able to contribute to the mission of defense. Thankfully, He didn’t put me in positions that I wasn’t able to handle. Thank You, Lord.

Our constitution is a treasure. According to Microsoft Copilot, it is the oldest written national constitution still in force anywhere in the world, it is extremely short with only seven articles, it promises relatively little to citizens, it is extremely difficult to amend, and it sets forth a federal structure with limited powers. As a basis of comparison, I know of a country that has had twenty constitutions in the 100+ years since it began the path to a constitutional monarchy.

One of my most memorable courses at CGA was on the history of the U.S. It was taught by then-Lieutenant Ernie Blanchard, who inspired me with his deep sense of American exceptionalism. I still have two of the papers I wrote in his class. I pray that you will have instructors that inspire you with the same kind of passion. There is more to the story of Ernie Blanchard and USCGA, but I will save that for another time.

To be informed and to vote are also ways of supporting the Constitution. In our day, we received the New York Times and Atlantic Monthly on our Chase Hall doorsteps. I read them with interest. The quality of critical thinking in those publications, at least then, was excellent. They contributed to my training on thinking through the issues and weighing all sides. I carry that mindset with me to the ballot box in every election.

So, 2030, I encourage you make your oath matter. I will be there to witness it. And I promise to support you in fulfilling it.

Sincerely,

Robert