THE HEART OF THE CREED
For my newsletter thoughts this month, I have been thinking about what unifies us most as Rangers. Many ideas came to mind; the scroll—easily recognizable (however, each Bn has their own version); the beret—pretty awesome, and the tan color has grown on me, although I started off wearing a black one; the Creed—it is the same for every Ranger in the Regiment! So, I would argue it is the Creed that most unifies us as Rangers.
We say the Ranger Creed nearly every time we gather. Sadly, as a veteran Ranger, the Creed is mostly recited at funerals and memorial services. It is very hard to pick out my favorite part of the Creed. All the stanzas carry great weight and importance, but I believe the heart of the Creed is found in the fifth stanza, in the underlined portion below.
Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
This part of the Ranger Creed is more than a battlefield promise—it is a sacred covenant. This is not theoretical, we have seen Rangers lay down their lives for fallen comrades. This one line speaks to the soul of what it means to be a Ranger: to stand in the gap, to carry the weight of another, and to never abandon those who have fought beside you. In the chaos of combat and the quiet of memory, this vow echoes with unwavering clarity. It is a commitment that transcends duty and becomes our identity.
I think the Bible carries a one-line verse with exactly the same sentiment. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 reminds us that the greatest expression of love is sacrifice. Jesus understood sacrifice and willingly laid down his life on a Cross for each of us. Jesus lived the truth of this verse in His actions. He did it to pay a sin debt that none of us could afford on our own.
Rangers live this same kind of truth daily—not just in moments of danger, but in the lifelong devotion to their brothers-in-arms. Whether it is pulling a teammate from the line of fire or honoring the legacy of those who did not make it home, Rangers embody a love that is fierce and loyal. This is Gospel in action: laying down one’s life, not for glory, but for love.
Even after the uniform is hung up, the creed remains etched in the heart. It still unifies us. I still recite it daily (usually aloud) during my PT. Rangers carry the stories, the scars, and the sacred duty to remember. You are your brother’s keeper—not just in war, but in peace. Remember the Creed—at every reunion, with every folded flag, every prayer whispered for the fallen, you fulfill the creed. And in doing so, you reflect the very heart of Christ Himself.
Rangers Lead the Way!
Dan Knight
601-988-5087
d.knight@threerangersfoundation.org