We can accept or reject the obligation, but if we are to preserve our freedom, our honor, we must choose well. That's not to say that I shed myself entirely of that attribute. I had not, and have not yet. But I no longer located my self-respect in that distinction. In prison, where my cherished independence was mocked and assaulted, I found my self-respect in a shared fidelity to my country.
All honor comes with obligations.
I and those with whom I served had accepted ours, and we were grateful for the privilege.