Essay about Rhetorical Analysis of MacArthur’s Duty Honor...

For a united nation to prosper, its people must overcome obstacles and take on numerous responsibilities. Throughout our lives, there are problems occurring continually in our world related to war and combat. During these times of hardship, we must remind ourselves to persevere and continue to defend the country. In addressing the Sylvanus Thayer Award on May 12, 1962, at the city of West Point, New York, General Douglas MacArthur urged Americans to remember the major responsibilities we have as Americans in his speech Duty, Honor, Country. With a position of authority, MacArthur powerfully stated that America will only survive through winning wars and fulfilling our duties. His main priority was to defend the nation, respect the nation,†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Your guidepost stands out like a ten-fold beacon in the night†. Our nation’s citizens have the responsibility of defending the nation, and must not be too focused or distracted on other matters. The g uidepost of our roles in the nation must stand out compared to all other matters. The intention of MacArthur’s speech, to enforce the moral code, is further emphasized through an allusion to Plato: â€Å"Only the dead have seen the end of war†. No matter how close world peace may seem to emerge, fighting in our world will never cease; therefore, our nation requires people to continue fighting and winning wars against enemies. As in the moral code, our duties and honor for the country must not come to a conclusion. In reminding his audience of how America became what it is today, MacArthur urges his audience to remember to maintain the status of America and keep the country united through the moral code. His message, illustrated by the moral code of â€Å"Duty, Honor, Country†, is underscored through a repetition of these key terms throughout MacArthur’s speech. This repetition expresses the importance of citizens remembering the code, for its definition reveals the method for America’s survival. American citizens and soldiers should always remember that this code is our main priority, for it will keep us united no matter the conditions. Only memorizing the code, however, is not sufficient. MacArthur’s