AΩ
OATH OF MANHOOD
In the words of scriptures, the time has come to set aside childish things. Though our path is not for the faint hearted. We have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from the dark chapter stronger and more united. And yet at this moment, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all. Know that we are a friend to every man of peace and dignity and we are ready to lead once more.
Mindful of the sacrifices horne by our ancestors, we take this oath amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit and to choose our better history. In this winter of our hardship let us brave once more the ley currents and endure what storms may come. Let our children's children say we were tested, we refused, we did not turn back nor did we falter.
On this day we intend to move forward. The scale of our ambition cannot tolerate stale arguments, old hatreds and settling for less. To those that enjoy relative plenty we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering without regard to effect. It is ultimately the faith that finally decides our fate.
The God given promise that all are equal, free and deserve their full measure is our journey. But our journey has never been one of the shortcuts or for those celebrated who prefer leisure over work. We understand that a new foundation for growth must be layed. Enduring convictions and mutual respect must play its role in the new era of peace.
We are grateful for the trust you have bestowed us. A failure to make hard choices is sapping confidence, thus putting the service of this generation in transition. The challenges we face are real but they will be met because greatness is never given. It must be earned by men. Those who see bigger than individual ambitions and extend opportunity to every willing heart.
We at MSF were very inspired by the history making presidential election of 2009 and the eloquence of President Barack Obama.His inauguration speech has inspired all people to work toward our better; and we think all should take an oath of support. Not just to "say" that we support by wearing a shirt or buying a refrigerator magnet, but to hold ourselves to the standard of the message.
Therefore, we have adopted certain parts of the Inauguration Speech of President Obama that we believe deeply in as an organization: Honor, Service, Manhood and Leadership.