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The Bolduc Brief: With Your Shield or On It – An Ethos of Sacrifice, Honor, Duty, and Respect

BY Donald Bolduc

With your shield or on it, we are called to live anchored in sacrifice, honor, duty, and respect, holding the line for the people and principles that matter most even when the cost is personal.

Brigadier General (Ret.) Donald C. Bolduc, former US Army Special Forces Commander. (US Army)

The phrase “with your shield or on it” is one that has stood the test of time, evoking vivid imagery of warriors on the battlefield, determined to protect their ideals, their comrades, and their homeland. This ancient ethos is deeply rooted in concepts of sacrifice, honor, duty, and respect—values that resonate across cultures and epochs. By exploring this ethos, we uncover the profound commitment to a greater cause, the willingness to face adversity, and the importance of mutual respect in both personal and communal spheres.

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The essence of “with your shield or on it” lies in the willingness to stand firm in the face of danger. In the context of ancient warfare, the shield symbolized protection and defense, a necessary tool for survival. Similarly, in modern society, the shield can be seen as a metaphor for the principles and values that individuals uphold—be it in personal relationships, professional commitments, or societal roles. The willingness to fight for these values often requires personal sacrifice, where individuals may have to set aside their personal ambitions for the sake of the collective good.

Sacrifice is a cornerstone of this ethos. It embodies the recognition that true honor is found not just in personal achievement but in the willingness to put others before oneself. In many cultures, heroes are celebrated not solely for their victories but for their readiness to endure hardship for the welfare of others. Take, for example, the countless individuals who serve in the military; their choices exemplify a commitment to duty that often supersedes their desires for personal safety and comfort. They embody the idea that the true measure of courage lies in the readiness to suffer on behalf of others, reflecting a selflessness that defines honorable behavior.

Honor also plays a vital role in this ethos. To act “with your shield” implies an adherence to a code of ethics that demands respect, integrity, and fidelity. Honor establishes an individual’s reputation—not merely in the eyes of others but also within themselves. It serves as an internal compass, guiding decisions and reinforcing commitments. Individuals who embody this ethos recognize that honor is earned through actions and sacrifices made for others, reinforcing the bonds of trust and mutual respect within a community. This collective honoring of values creates a cohesive society where individuals support each other in pursuit of shared goals.

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Duty, intertwined with sacrifice and honor, further underpins this ethos. It signifies an obligation to defend and uphold the values that bind a community together. In many philosophies and religions, duty is regarded as an essential pillar of a meaningful life, reminding individuals that their actions contribute to something larger than themselves. The commitment to duty as encapsulated in “with your shield or on it” calls upon individuals to remain steadfast in their responsibilities, whether it be to family, friends, or society at large. This unwavering sense of duty fosters resilience in times of crisis, as those who embrace this ethos are more likely to rise in defense of their beliefs and each other.

Respect, the final element in this discussion, undergirds the entire ethos of “with your shield or on it.” It encompasses the acknowledgment of one’s own values and the values of others, creating a culture where sacrifice, honor, and duty are valued and celebrated. Respect allows for a healthy exchange of ideas and encourages collaboration, fostering a sense of belonging among individuals. When people regard each other with respect, the line between individual ambition and community welfare blurs, and the ethos of sacrifice serves to elevate both the individual and the larger society.

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In conclusion, the ethos of “with your shield or on it” is a powerful reminder of the importance of sacrifice, honor, duty, and respect in both personal and communal contexts. It calls upon individuals to commit to their principles and to one another, emphasizing that true strength is not merely in individual victories but in the collective spirit of support and resilience. When we embrace this ethos, we cultivate a culture of integrity and mutual respect, elevating not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. Ultimately, this ethos is a timeless call to action—a reminder that we are stronger when we stand together, armed with the values we hold dear, ready to defend them, or to sacrifice for them, as needed.

Donald C. Bolduc

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