No human being could fail to be deeply moved by such a tribute as this ayer Award. Coming from a profession I have served so long, and a people I have loved so well, it fills me with an emotion I cannot express. But this award is not in tended primarily to honor a personality, but to symbolize a great moral code — the code of conduct and chivalry of those who guard this beloved land of culture and ancient descent. That is the animation of this medallion. For all eyes and for all time, it is an expression of the ethics of the American soldier. That I should be integrated in this way with so noble an ideal arouses a sense of pride and yet of humility which will be with me always: Duty, Honor, Country.
Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for f aith; to create hope when hope bes forlorn.