For a united nation to prosper, its people must overcome obstacles and assume many responsibilities. Throughout our lives, problems related to war and fighting continually arise in our world. In these difficult times, we must remember to persevere and continue to defend the country. While addressing the presentation of the Sylvanus Thayer Award on May 12, 1962, at West Point, New York, General Douglas MacArthur urged Americans to remember the major responsibilities we have as Americans in his Duty, Honor speech , Country. From a position of authority, MacArthur forcefully declared that America will only survive by winning wars and fulfilling its duties. His main priority was to defend the nation, respect it and prosper in this vast nation, in other words in three key terms: duty, honor and country. Using rhetorical devices, MacArthur expresses the theme that Americans must steadfastly defend their country and pursue its many goals through its moral code: "Duty, Honor, Country." While making a powerful statement for our nation's survival, MacArthur illustrates our need to use the moral code in order to overcome difficulties and obstacles to win wars and enable the nation to persevere. His message reveals a long list of tasks to be accomplished through his use of parallelism: “We speak in strange terms: of harnessing cosmic energy; to make the winds and tides work for us… to mine the seabed… spaceships to the moon.” The various tasks at hand reveal the need for a nation composed of citizens with respectful and courteous intentions toward the nation, which MacArthur believes is necessary for his moral code. Major improvements and progress, that a nation in the middle of paper must continue to win wars and defend the nation as MacArthur intended. Through the moral code, we must remain honorable to the country and effectively fulfill our role on behalf of an ever-growing united nation. With the conviction of our duties fulfilled, our honor worthy, and our American nation diligent, we must exist as General MacArthur intended: strong, peaceful, and honoring. With the moral code instituted in our lives, a way to lead a successful and satisfying life will be established, leading to a greater and far more superior nation. Works Cited Davis, William. “General Douglas MacArthur “Duty, Honor, Country”.” American rhetoric. American Rhetoric, 2011. Web. January 2, 2012. .MacArthur, Douglas. “Duty, honor, country”. Acceptance of the Sylvanus Thayer Award. West Point, New York. May 12, 1962.