Remarks by the Vice President at the United States Coast Guard Academy Commencement Ceremony

Business Wire, May 21, 2008

I don't need to tell members of the armed forces that there is still a lot to be done on every front on this war. But we can take heart because American power is being used to serve American ideals. We are doing good things for the right reasons. Our new strategy in Iraq, with the surge operations that began more than a year ago, has succeeded brilliantly. And the only way to lose this fight is to quit. That would be irresponsible. More than that, quitting would be an act of betrayal and dishonor -- and it's not going to happen on our watch. Many times I've told the story -- (applause) -- many times I've told the story of visiting Iraq two months ago, speaking to several thousand of our troops at Balad Air Base, north of Baghdad. And I remember the strong response the troops gave one point in particular -- when I said we're going to get this job done right, so another generation of Americans doesn't have to go back and do it over again. (Applause.)

Officers and future officers of the Coast Guard: I am absolutely convinced that we will succeed in the war on terror -- and I'm also convinced that it will happen on your watch. Like most Americans, I stand in awe of the people in our military. Having served as a White House chief of staff, congressman, Secretary of Defense, and in my present job, I've had no greater pleasure, no greater honor than working with those who wear the uniform of the United States. (Applause.) My gratitude extends to your loved ones, as well. Military service is a family commitment -- and this nation can never give enough thanks to our military families. (Applause.)

There's a saying in your line of work -- that the U.S. Coast Guard is the "hard nucleus about which the Navy forms in time of war." (Applause.) I'm not sure what the Navy thinks of that. (Laughter.) But for all Americans, when we think of the Coast Guard we think of the men and women who are always ready to save us from danger -- whether it comes from the furies of nature, or from the designs of evil men. This branch of the armed forces has given steady service to the United States of America since the year 1790 -- and in that time the Coast Guard has saved more than a million lives. As you step forward to accept new duties, your fellow citizens look up to you for the oath you take, the traditions you uphold, and the standards you live by.

On reporting-in day four years ago each one of you raised your right hand and took an oath. Today, at this ceremony, you will swear again to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I know you'll keep that oath, and I'm confident you'll live by the words of your class motto: "While we breathe, we shall defend." You've been trained, you've been drilled, you've been tested. You've lived by the honor concept. And you've proven yourselves worthy of the title of Coast Guard Ensign.

Today you're the same men and women you were four years ago -- only better. With you in the officer corps, it'll be the same Coast Guard -- only better. So this day of your commissioning is more than a memorable day in your own life -- it's a great day for the Coast Guard, and for the United States of America.