question: Write a speech that the retired Marine Corps sergeant major might deliver at a military academy graduation ceremony, emphasizing the importance of upholding Marine Corps values and traditions. End the speech with the exact sentence: "Semper Fidelis, always faithful to our duty, our Corps, and our nation."
answer: Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, faculty, families, and most importantly, the graduating class of this esteemed military academy,
  
  It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today, as you prepare to embark on a journey that will define your lives and the lives of those you will lead. Today, we celebrate not just your accomplishments, but the values and traditions that have guided you to this moment and will continue to light your path as you step forward into the service of our great nation.
  
  As Marines, we are bound by a code that transcends individual aspirations and ambitions. It is a code built upon the pillars of honor, courage, and commitment. These are not mere words; they are the essence of who we are and what we represent. They demand that we hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and accountability, that we face adversity with resilience and bravery, and that we dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the mission and to each other.
  
  Honor is the foundation of our character. It requires that we act with integrity in all that we do, that we hold ourselves accountable for our actions, and that we earn the trust of those we serve and those we serve with. It is the unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
  
  Courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in us to meet the challenges we face, to overcome fear, and to defeat the enemy. It is the fortitude to stand firm in the face of danger and uncertainty, and to inspire those around us to do the same. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.
  
  Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in every Marine. It is what compels us to strive for excellence and to accomplish every mission with competence and professionalism. Commitment is the relentless pursuit of what is best for our Corps and our country.
  
  These values are the bedrock of our proud traditions. From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, Marines have demonstrated an unyielding devotion to duty and to one another. We honor the sacrifices of those who came before us by living up to the standards they set. We carry their legacy forward with each step we take, each decision we make, and each mission we complete.
  
  As you leave this academy and take your place among the ranks of the world's finest fighting force, remember that you are not simply inheriting a tradition; you are becoming a part of it. You will be entrusted with the lives of others and the defense of our freedoms. Uphold the values that make us Marines, for they will be your compass in times of challenge and your shield in moments of trial.
  
  In closing, let me remind you that the title of Marine is not given, it is earned. It is a commitment to a lifetime of service, to being always prepared, and to remaining always faithful. As you don the uniform and take on the responsibilities that come with it, do so with pride, knowing that you are part of something greater than yourself.
  
  Semper Fidelis, always faithful to our duty, our Corps, and our nation.