HOW MILITARY PERSONNEL EXEMPLIFY THE QUALITIES OF NATIONAL HONESTY DAY

Honesty is a virtue that everyone should exemplify. The truth isn’t always easy, but it is the right way to go about one’s business. On National Honesty Day, we are reminded to face the truth even when it is difficult and to treat our fellow man with respect. Honesty is the best policy, and the inventor of the holiday, M. Hirsh Goldberg, agreed. Invented and celebrated in the ‘90s by Goldberg, a former press secretary in Maryland, National Honesty Day would eventually become a campaign against political lies in the government.

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When Is National Honesty Day?

National Honesty Day is on April 30th every year. It was chosen for a few reasons, including the fact that April Fools Day is always on April 1st. April 30th is also the anniversary of the inauguration of the American hero and first American president, George Washington. Sometimes the truth hurts, but by practicing honesty, we encourage a more ethical world and transparency from authorities. It is commonplace for friends and family to engage in asking questions and receiving very honest answers from one another. This is a great way, when done respectfully, to engage in constructive criticism, pass compliments, and mend relationships powerfully and positively with honesty.

Political Scandals and Research Birthed National Honesty Day

As Goldberg was in the process of writing his book, The Book of Lies: Fibs, Tales, Schemes, Scams, Fakes, and Frauds That Have Changed The Course of History and Affect Our Daily Lives, he noticed, of course, that there was dishonesty from authorities that affected many others. The common man is sadly often affected by the misdeeds of those in charge. Using National Honesty Day, Goldberg and others were able to bring the spotlight onto some of the most prolific lies in modern history. This includes Bernie Madoff’s infamous Ponzi scheme, the Dreyfus affair in France, and the Watergate Scandal that rocked the political world during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

Honesty Is a Core Value Throughout the Military

Military personnel carry honor and integrity throughout their service and into civilian life. Many of the wonderful heroes this nation relies on are examples of who we as Americans should aim to be. National Honesty Day does its part to help us all remember the dangers of lying and a lack of integrity, but year-round, servicemen and women are living examples of the best qualities of the National Day of Honesty. Joining the Armed Forces is no easy task, nor is upholding its high standards and principles. Sure, we are all human and make mistakes; however, it is easy to see throughout history the dangers of lying and the ramifications that can cause ripple effects through many others. It is through the honor, integrity, and honesty shown by past and present members of the U.S. Armed Forces that we have to thank for our continued security, safety, and success on an international scale.

How Will You Celebrate National Honesty Day?

Have you been putting off telling someone the truth? Is there something you need to fess up to? Celebrating national Honesty Day is a great opportunity to come clean and create a fresh start by channeling the moral code of our U.S. military personnel. Remember to give grace to those who are honest with you this day and mend relationships that are founded again on newly established truths!

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