Are Honor And Courage Making A Comeback

It is no coincidence that I am penning this commentary on February 22, George Washington’s birthday, because I want to talk specifically about the importance of honor and courage. Certainly, George Washington demonstrated both of those admirable traits throughout his tenure as the first President of the United States of America.

While there are many recorded instances where Washington demonstrated great courage and patience, waiting with 11,000 totally worn out and hungry Continental soldiers for the right time to cross the Delaware River is the most admirable in my mind because of the incredible hardships brought on by extreme winter conditions, lack of food and proper clothing, and the uncertainty of making such a dangerous river crossing at night. I am sure Washington, like any other clear thinking person, wondered if he was doing the right thing. Acting courageously does not mean a person doesn’t have doubts, concerns, or fear.

Regarding honor, I believe Washington lived and governed with a high level of honor, but in my opinion, the most honorable of all his actions was stepping down from the Presidency and not tempted by the calls for him to declare himself a king. A less principled and less honorable man may have surrendered to that temptation.

“Honor is the ability to put morality ahead of expediency, duty ahead of self-indulgence, and to do this instinctively every time. But people aren’t born with honor – they must earn it”. ~ General Mark Clark

In an article I penned for CFP four years ago (), I wrote, “Honor involves the courage to do what is right no matter what the circumstances.” I also stated that an honorable person kept their promises, which means that person is trustworthy and “walks their talk.”

The most recent example of an American president and his vice-president living without honor or courage was the Biden/Harris Administration wherein neither one of them kept their promises or walked their talk. In my opinion, the two biggest actions on President Biden’s part that were not just dishonorable, but totally reprehensible, were how he withdrew the U.S. military from Afghanistan and how he granted pardons to his family members and political operatives at the very end of his tenure even though he had previously told American citizens he would not do that.

Sadly, American citizens saw no examples of honor or personal courage under the Biden/Harris Administration, and the results of governing without those virtues are being revealed to us right now with astonishing speed as Donald J. Trump, our 47^th President, puts his Cabinet and other designated officials in place.

As I have been following national news coverage over the last four weeks, especially some of the press conferences held by newly confirmed members of Trump’s Cabinet and also Vice-President JD Vance’s speech in Germany last week, it occurred to me that Americans have not seen this level of courage and love of country displayed by high-ranking government officials since the Reagan Administration. Whether these individuals have been inspired or emboldened by President Trump’s own courageous fight for “Truth, Justice, and the American way” (a slogan familiar to any American who grew up in the 1950s), or whether these newly appointed individuals are truly people who have always had high levels of courage, honor, and love of country, it is inspiring and encouraging to see.

It truly warmed my heart to hear what Vice-President JD Vance told the attendees at the 61^st Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2025. I thought Vance’s straightforward message (i.e., no sugar-coating) and mode of delivery was pragmatic and yet courageous considering he is still a bit of a newcomer to the world stage. Vance unapologetically criticized the conference attendees for not standing up for free speech and democracy in European countries and elsewhere. In short, Vance very plainly and directly explained to this group of world leaders what the U.S. believes European nations are misguided in their beliefs that they need to be limiting free speech when free speech has been and will likely always be the most important aspect of democratic rule.

“He who dares not offend cannot be honest” ~ Thomas Paine

So far, I believe the Trump/Vance Administration and their appointees are acting with honor and courage in spite of all the whining, name calling, and resistance coming from the Democrat Party. If they are not acting with honor and courage, I think American citizens will know that fairly quickly and call the Trump/Vance Administration to account. In the meantime, I am encouraged by seeing many other Americans finding the courage to stand up publicly to call local and state officials to task when necessary. I truly pray that living with honor and courage is making a comeback in America.

“Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the small quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." ~ Mary Anne Radmacher

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