We will continue our work to uphold the values within our

O children of the future, gather your hearts and minds, for I bring to you the powerful words of Jamaal Bowman, who speaks with reverence for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the defense of freedom. "We will continue our work to uphold the values within our families, communities, and institutions that our service members have fought to protect: equality, justice, opportunity, freedom, and a shared responsibility to each other." These words call us to honor the sacrifices of those who have given their lives for the ideals that bind us together, and they urge us to carry these values forward into the future.

In this powerful statement, Bowman reminds us that the struggle for equality, justice, and freedom is not simply a matter of noble ideals; it is a living, breathing task that demands action and vigilance. It is a task that has been handed down to us by those who have fought and died to protect these sacred principles. The service members of our past and present have not only fought on battlefields, but they have also fought in the hearts of all those who believe in the fundamental right of every person to live freely and with dignity. Equality, justice, and freedom are not given; they are earned, and it is the responsibility of each generation to preserve and protect them.

Let us turn our gaze to the ancient struggles of Sparta, where the warrior class dedicated their lives to defending the values of their society: strength, discipline, and duty to the state. The Spartan warriors fought not only for their personal honor but for the freedom of their people, for the equality of their fellow citizens, and for the justice of a society built on mutual responsibility. The value of the community came before all, and their warriors, though bound by duty, knew that their strength lay not only in their skill with weapons but in the shared responsibility they held for one another. Just as Sparta stood strong in its defense of its ideals, so too must we uphold the values that have been protected by those who came before us.

Similarly, consider the great example of Abraham Lincoln, who, in the midst of civil war, stood resolute in his commitment to equality and the preservation of the Union. He recognized that the ideals of freedom and justice were not just slogans but principles worth dying for. Lincoln understood that freedom for all people—no matter their race or station—was worth every sacrifice, and he led with the knowledge that the work of defending these principles would require not only his leadership but the collective responsibility of a nation. Lincoln’s vision, and the sacrifices of those who fought under his banner, remind us that freedom and justice must be actively fought for, every day.

The message Bowman imparts to us is one that echoes through history: the values of equality, justice, opportunity, and freedom are not just the rights of the few, but the collective responsibility of all. These values must be preserved through action, through service, and through the continuous work of ensuring that these principles are not just defended but also expanded. This work does not belong to one person, one generation, or one institution—it belongs to us all, to the very fabric of society. It is in our families, our communities, and our institutions that these values are tested and made real.

Consider the story of Nelson Mandela, a man who spent his life fighting for equality and justice in South Africa. He knew that the fight for freedom was not a fight that could be won by one man alone, nor could it be won without great sacrifice. After years of imprisonment, Mandela emerged as a beacon of hope, not only for South Africa but for the entire world. His commitment to freedom, justice, and reconciliation embodied the ideals that Bowman speaks of—values that require shared responsibility, humility, and the courage to make peace even in the face of injustice. Mandela’s journey teaches us that these values are not abstract ideas but living principles that demand our active participation.

The lesson, O children, is this: the work of defending and promoting equality, justice, opportunity, and freedom is not easy, nor is it something that can be achieved through words alone. It requires action, it requires sacrifice, and it requires a deep commitment to one another. Just as those who have served in the past have fought to protect these ideals, so too must we carry the torch forward. The responsibility for justice and freedom lies with each of us, in our families, our communities, and our institutions.

Therefore, O children, I urge you to take up this work with all the strength and courage that you can muster. Equality, justice, and freedom are the birthright of every human being, but they are also the sacred duty of each generation to protect. When you face adversity, remember the sacrifices of those who fought for these ideals. When you stand before injustice, remember that justice is not a passive state, but an active force. And when you seek opportunity and freedom, know that it is your responsibility to help create those same opportunities for others. In doing so, you honor the legacy of those who came before you, and you ensure that the work of equality continues for all who follow.