On Saturday, a significant event took place at the United States Military Academy. As the rain poured, cadets marched in formation, joining a proud tradition known as the Long Gray Line. For many, myself included, this procession stirs deep memories of past graduations. I graduated from West Point in 1973, and as I watched the ceremony, it served as a preparation for a television interview later that day. However, what struck me more profoundly was Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s commencement address, which resonated with themes of God, duty, sacrifice, and the realities of war.
Hegseth’s connection to West Point goes beyond his status as a speaker. I remember him as a bright young Princeton student during the summer of 2000. He was disciplined, personable, and openly embraced his Christian faith, earning the admiration of my children. Years later, he emerged as a notable figure on Fox News while also serving in the Army National Guard, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. This service added weight to his words as he addressed the 994 graduates, delivering a message that was candid and far removed from the sanitized platitudes often heard in such settings.
Central to Hegseth’s address was a powerful line from Isaiah 6:8: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? … Here am I! Send me.” This is not merely an eloquent phrase; it is an invitation to assume a grave responsibility. The graduates are not just receiving diplomas, but stepping into roles that may require them to lead troops into combat, facing the potential of life-and-death situations.
West Point was founded in 1802 with the clear purpose of producing leaders capable of defending the nation. The graduates are expected to follow a legacy of service, having fought in every major conflict since the Civil War. The motto, “Duty, Honor, Country,” transcends mere words; it is a creed forged in sacrifice and commitment.
When I graduated, the nation faced challenges similar to those today. The Vietnam War was winding down, and geopolitical tensions loomed large. Now, cadets must grapple with a world marked by constant danger and complexity: the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, China’s posture toward Taiwan, and the aggressive actions of Iran in the Middle East. These factors, coupled with the rapid evolution of warfare brought about by technology, create a landscape unlike any before.
Hegseth’s message is particularly crucial. He openly addressed a failure within military culture: the preoccupation with diversity, equity, and inclusion that has overshadowed fundamental military readiness. By emphasizing “Duty, Honor, Country,” he reminded graduates that their foremost obligation is to prepare for and win conflicts—a truth that shouldn’t need reiteration but clearly does in today’s climate.
Combat brings the most pressing moral questions to the forefront. In life-threatening situations, concepts such as courage, morality, and accountability take on profound meaning. Hegseth recognized this and chose not to evade these tough discussions. He highlighted an officer’s duty under fire—exercising moral clarity, making decisions with incomplete information, and guiding troops through unimaginable hardships. In his words about his children, particularly his son, Hegseth invoked a powerful legacy: the call to serve must continue through generations, echoing the enduring spirit of West Point.
As the ceremony concluded and the Corps of Cadets sang “The Corps,” a poignant hymn steeped in history, I felt the weight of continuity at West Point. Each graduating class, woven into the fabric of a lineage that spans over two centuries, is a testament to the unwavering spirit of service. With each era, the threats evolve, yet the essence of selfless service remains unchanged. As I continue to contemplate the implications of advancements like artificial intelligence and autonomous systems in warfare, I recognize that these tools cannot replace the moral judgment vital to effective leadership.
America requires more than skilled tacticians; it needs leaders who comprehend the grave realities of warfare and the moral fabric that must underpin command. It is imperative that today’s cadets are prepared to respond to the ancient calling—a call that resonates through generations: Here am I, Lord. Send me.
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