Tradition Army Navy Game sportsmanship unity

West Point and Naval Academy students sing alma maters at Army-Navy game, representing American values. The country's future depends on it.

This Saturday, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the annual Army-Navy football game will showcase one of the most iconic moments in American sports. The players and cheerleaders from both teams will come together to sing each academy's alma mater, regardless of who wins or loses. This tradition speaks volumes about honor, tradition, compassion, civility, and unity - values that unite those who compete and those who support them.

These young men and women, who will soon be commissioned as officers in the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, embody these values. They will be supported by the values that were sharpened in the halls, classrooms, parade grounds, and playing fields of West Point and Annapolis.

But what about the rest of us who don't wear the uniform? Are values such as courage, integrity, commitment, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism relevant to us? In a world filled with turmoil, it feels as if these traditional civic values have been replaced by endless arguments and a lack of civility in our interactions.

Thankfully, many Americans recognize that this isn't the way it's supposed to be. A recent survey found that a majority of respondents believe society is not emphasizing values enough. Strong values and character are important to all Americans, and society would be a better place if we possessed stronger values.

We were reminded of the importance of these values when Army Captain and Green Beret Paris Davis showed bravery and civility in the face of danger in Vietnam. His story serves as a real-life example of what happens when these values are put into action. Most of us will never be faced with life-and-death moments like Davis, but every day we have choices to make that define who we are.

By teaching the importance and meaning of these core values and providing real-life examples of how they can be lived, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our families, communities, and nation. This takes commitment and a sense of boldness - the same qualities that those young men and women from the service academies will show on Saturday and beyond.

The stakes are high, and the timing could not be more critical. Let's work together to uphold these values and ensure a brighter future for our country.