By Lisa Ferdinando, DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary James N. Mattis saluted
community volunteers and emphasized the importance of service to others, saying
giving back and putting others before self are core to America’s strength.
Mattis spoke last night at the Tri-Citian of the Year awards
ceremony in Kennewick, Washington. The annual ceremony in southeastern
Washington honors individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to
service above self.
Mattis said he was happy to be back in his home state, and
credited his parents and the community for instilling in him the enduring
values of service.
His four decades in the Marine Corps taught him about
service culture, the warrior ethos and traits that make a good leader, Mattis
said.
“I am not just the secretary of defense … I'm the secretary
of your defense,” he said. “As a result, I am answerable to you. I am
accountable to you and I want you to know I take that very seriously.”
Helping Others ‘Cuts Your Own Troubles in Half’
Mattis commended event attendees for their service in the
community and commitment to helping the next generation.
The goal that all children should wake up in communities
that believe in them, nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive,
“reminds us again that goodness can be done in the world when people unite
together,” he said.
"Through your service you may carry your choice about
what kind of world we want for our children,” he said. “We all know what
America stands for; we have to be equally clear of what we will absolutely not
tolerate in the world and we're willing to put ourselves on the line for it.”
Service above self and putting others’ well-being above your
own are “simple but worthwhile ideals, and to do so cuts your own troubles in
half and it amplifies the good and truism," he said.
He saluted all those who serve, highlighting service can
entail so many things, to include helping children at school or families who
need food, or serving as a police officer, firefighter or member of the
military.
"We are masters of our own character, choosing what we
stand for in this life," he said. "It's often in the service to
others that we are able to have the biggest and most positive impact,
permitting us to learn about ourselves and to test ourselves as we see each
other through the rough patches in life."
Importance of Inclusiveness
Mattis stressed the importance of inclusiveness and
equality. He noted Kennewick sits on the Columbia River, a significant location
in American history.
It was there at the mouth of the river in 1805, a black man,
a slave named York; a Native American woman named Sacajawea; and two young Army
officers, Meriweather Lewis and William Clark, voted as equals in deciding to
cross the river to winter.
It was the first time in the history of the republic that a
black man, a Native American, a woman, and white men voted as equals, Mattis
pointed out.
"I think that long-range Army reconnaissance mission
that you and I know as the Lewis and Clark expedition is one we should all be
proud of and remember what [Abraham] Lincoln said, 'Follow your better
angels,'” he said.
Mattis added, “That's what they did that day. That's our
responsibility.
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