Staff Reports
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, a venerable institution founded in 1802, has made a significant and controversial change by replacing its traditional motto, “Duty, Honor, Country,” with the seemingly vague and ambiguous term “Army Values.” This move has sparked a fiery debate among military veterans, lawmakers, and conservative figures across the country.
West Point drops ‘Duty, Honor, Country’ from its military statement https://t.co/UD0Fwj3oi4 https://t.co/UD0Fwj3oi4
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 14, 2024
In a letter from West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Steve Gilland, he emphasized the importance of “Army Values” as the guiding principles for the Academy’s culture and its mission to mold future leaders of character ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and the Nation. While Lt. Gen. Gilland reassured the public that “Duty, Honor, Country” would always remain their motto, the decision to remove these timeless words from the official mission statement has raised eyebrows and drawn criticism from prominent conservative voices.
Col. Terence Kelley defended the changes, arguing that the inclusion of “Army Values,” such as loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, aligns with the Academy’s commitment to producing exemplary military leaders. However, this move has led to skepticism and concern among many conservatives, including influential figures like Franklin Graham, who questioned the meaning and stability of “Army Values” compared to the enduring principles encapsulated in the original motto.
Former soldier Mark Hertling supported the inclusion of “Army Values” in the mission statement, asserting that these values, represented by the acronym LDRSHIP, are integral to serving the country well. Despite his endorsement, this change has sharply divided public opinion, with many conservative voices echoing the sentiment that this adjustment reflects a broader trend of progressive influence in military institutions.
Amid the passionate discussions on social media, with voices like Franklin Graham expressing suspicions about the motivations behind the decision, it’s clear that the alteration of West Point’s motto has touched a nerve with conservative Americans. The decision to replace “Duty, Honor, Country” with “Army Values” has become a contentious point of debate, with many conservatives voicing concerns about the perceived erosion of traditional values within the military and the broader impact on national security.
