Posted on July 25 2025
Death Before Dishonor: A Lesson We Must Teach
Photo: Death Before Dishonor. Printed NYC 2001
The phrase “Death Before Dishonor” is not just a slogan or a cool graphic—it’s a creed. At its core, it means this:
One should rather die than betray their principles, their word, or their honor.
It is an ancient idea, echoed by samurai warriors, Spartan soldiers, and countless others who believed that integrity is worth more than life itself. It’s a line in the sand, a refusal to sell out or bend when everything around you says, “Take the easy road.”
I was reminded of this recently when my son started wearing my old “Death Before Dishonor” tee. To him, it’s a shirt. To me, it’s a challenge—and a reminder—that we must teach the next generation that honor matters more than profit, clout, or convenience.
The graphic on that tee, bold and unyielding, represents standing firm when the world tempts you to compromise. It’s about holding the line when it’s hard—especially when it’s hard. It’s about choosing what is right over what is easy, even when it costs you something.
Why does this matter? Because we are living in a time of capitulation, where selling out often looks like the fastest way to win. Too many examples in the world show young people that compromise pays, that standards are flexible, and that moral lines can be crossed for fame, profit, or comfort.
But our word, our integrity, our honor—these are the only things we truly own. If we give them away, there’s nothing left.
This is why I want my son, and all young people, to understand what that phrase means. “Death Before Dishonor” isn’t about violence or bravado—it’s about character. It’s about living in such a way that your actions, even when no one’s watching, reflect the values you claim to hold.
We need to teach this to our youth. We need to tell them that real strength is standing tall when everyone else is willing to bend. Because if we don’t teach them to protect their honor, the world will teach them how to sell it.
Here is the letter I gave my son before camp:
Hey buddy,
I saw you’ve been rocking my old “Death Before Dishonor” tee, and I wanted to tell you why that shirt means something to me—and why it looks good on you.
That phrase is all about integrity. It means being true to who you are, even when no one’s watching. It means doing the right thing—especially when it’s hard. You don’t have to be the toughest or the loudest, but you should always be the one who shows up with heart, honesty, and honor.
Heading into camp, remember: you’re carrying a name and a spirit that runs deep. Be proud. Be kind. Lead with character. And never forget that strength isn’t just muscles—it's choosing what’s right over what’s easy.
Love you, and I’m proud of the man you’re becoming.
—Dad
