Fifteen new soldiers from the Army’s Greenville Recruiting Office took their oaths of enlistment Dec. 5 in the Laurens County main courtroom. This is the Oath of Enlistment Significance read at the ceremony:
Ladies and Gentlemen, and distinguished guests, we gather here today to honor those before you who are about to answer the call to defend the Constitution of the United States as American Citizens and future Soldiers. Here today, soldiers past, present, and future bear witness to the oath that has united unbroken generations in service to our nation. To the families, the mightiest of armies cannot stand without the support of those of whom it serves. This oath is also to you, because all service members acknowledge the officers commissioned by the President and confirmed by the Senate, who ultimately derive their authority from you. We have been, are, and always shall be thankful for your support. Oaths began in the U.S. in early colonial days. In the 1600s, the Pilgrims established the Mayflower Compact - which served as an oath, a covenant, and a constitution, Time has changed; the commitment has not.”
The new soldiers also toured the Laurens County Hall of Heroes, in the Hillcrest Square Judicial - Services - Administrative Center, and talked to American Legion members.
A longer article about this event will be in the Dec. 17th Clinton Chronicle.
