For a united nation to prosper, its people must overcome obstacles and shoulder numerous responsibilities. Throughout our lives, problems related to war and combat continually occur in our world. During these trying times, we must remember to persevere and continue to defend the country. Addressing the Sylvanus Thayer Award on May 12, 1962, in the town of West Point, New York, General Douglas MacArthur urged Americans to remember the primary responsibilities we have as Americans in his Duty, Honor, Country speech. In a position of authority, MacArthur forcefully asserted that America will only survive by winning wars and fulfilling our duties. His main priority was to defend the nation, respect it and prosper in that vast nation, otherwise defined as three key terms: duty, honor and country. Through the use of rhetorical devices, MacArthur expresses the theme that Americans should steadfastly defend the country and advance its many goals through its moral code: “Duty, Honor, Country.” Making a powerful statement for the survival of our nation, MacArthur illustrates our need to use the moral code to overcome difficulties and obstacles in winning wars and enabling the nation to persevere. His message reveals a long list of tasks to be conquered through the use of parallelism: “We speak in strange terms: of harnessing cosmic energy; to make the winds and tides work for us… to mine the ocean floor… of spaceships to the moon.” The various tasks needed to fulfill expose the need for a nation with citizens with respectful and courteous intentions towards the nation, which MacArthur believes is necessary for his moral code. Major improvements and progress, that a nation......in the center of the card...must continue to win wars and defend the nation as MacArthur desired. Through the moral code, we must remain honorable to the country and perform our roles efficiently on behalf of an ever-growing united nation. With the belief of the duties fulfilled, the commendable honor and application of our American nation, we must exist as General MacArthur desired: strong, peaceful and honorable. With the moral code established in our lives, a way will be established to achieve a fulfilled and successful life, which will lead to a greater and much more superior nation. Works Cited Davis, William. "General Douglas MacArthur "Duty, Honor, Country"." American rhetoric. American Rhetoric, 2011. Web. 2 January 2012. .MacArthur, Douglas. “Duty, honor, country”. Acceptance of the Sylvanus Thayer Award. West Point, New York. May 12th, 1962.