As we are coming out of a weekend dedicated to the remembrance of those who gave their lives in defense of our Nation, we have heard one word over and over – honor: Men and women of honor, folds of honor, honor guards, and Medal of Honor, just to name a few instances. Yet, what does honor mean? Merriam-Webster Dictionary provides definitions that include words like reputation, recognition, privilege, purity, integrity for honor as a noun, and as a verb: to regard or treat someone with admiration and respect, to give special recognition to, to live up to or fulfill the terms of, or to accept as payment.
At least once a week we pledge our honor in the Scout Oath to do our best and to do our duty to God and country. We stake our reputation on consistent and tireless assistance of others, not some of the time, but all of the time. We promise to stay in shape, to exercise our minds and well as our bodies, and to uphold high moral principles. We submit our integrity on living the points of the Scout Law. We have taken a vow to do these things, with the punishment of losing something of worth -- our honor -- should we fall short.
Life passes quickly and our time on Earth is not guaranteed. When we pass, we leave legacy and reputation. We should all hope that we are remembered as being individuals worthy of honor.
On my honor, I will do my best.