The Shibboleths of the Corps

The Shibboleths of the Corps

DUTY…Well-performed, HONOR…Untarnished, COUNTRY…Above self… has been the shibboleths of the UP Corps of Cadets since its inception in 1912. It is a dictum inculcated in the minds of men and women as they joined the ranks of the chosen few. These three consecrated words govern the conduct and principles of a cadet from the time he or she joins the venerable Corps of Cadets as a humble but dignified individual in search of wisdom and truth.

These three revered words serve as a firm foundation of a cadet’s best aspirations and hopes- a backbone of the fulfillment of his or her dreams for the future.

These three words is a part of an enduring tradition of service and leadership for the nation- an undying and honorable endeavor that binds the members of the corps and unite their goals into a single cause.

These are the words that build a cadet’s character; the words that mold him or her to be of service to his or her nation; the words that teach him/her to be strong despite untold failures and uncertain roads; the words that will connect him or her to the rest of the world; the words that will mark his or her excellence in any chosen field of endeavor; and the words that will create an identity that will be remembered through the years.

“Duty,” “Honor,” “Country”— those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.

General Douglas MacArthur