 The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that is enriched with symbolism and heritage dating back to medieval times. Soldiers often carried staffs or standards in the battle that identified them as a unit. Throughout military history, unit colors have marked the position of commander on the battlefield and served as a rallying point. While attacking or rallying on the battlefield, soldiers would follow the standard or guide on of their leader, most often at the forward edge of the battle. In more recent times, the colors represent not only the heritage and history of the unit, but also the unity and loyalty of its soldiers. The colors are the commander's symbol of authority, representing his responsibilities to the organization. Wherever the commander is, there are also the colors. The passing of the unit colors represent the transfer of authority and responsibility for the unit from one commander to another. The division command sergeant major is the keeper of the colors. As the senior enlisted soldier in the division, he is the spokesperson for both the loyalty and concerns of the soldiers and the principal advisor to the commander. The passing of the colors from command sergeant major Schuster to major general Thomelson signifies his last act of allegiance to the commander. The passing of the colors from major general Thomelson to major general Lyles signifies that the unit is never without officer leadership as command is transferred. The passing of the colors from major general Lyles to brigadier general Degalo signifies the passing of his trust and the responsibility for the unit and soldiers. Under the provisions of Army Regulation 600-20, brigadier general Daniel A. Degalo assumes command of the 38th Infantry Division, effective 9 January 2023. The passing of the colors from brigadier general Degalo to command sergeant major Schuster signifies the trust and loyalty they will share and begins the allegiance between the two leaders of the command. The division's command sergeant major as the keeper of the colors returns them back to the color bearer's promise. G-1, a religious movement. G-2, the unit promotes character perfection. General Lyles, three-year general Degalo, signifies the passing of his trust and the responsibility for the unit. What this division is doing today is preserve our democracy. There is no shortage of adversaries out there right now, but do not understand that the 38th Infantry Division and the units aligned underneath the 38th Infantry Division stand strong to defend our freedom and our very democracy. This division represents what is great about America. The men and women that serve in this division represent the heart and the soul of America. You put this uniform on for one reason. And that is to stand between good and evil. And you are what indeed stands against tyranny. You stand against communism. You stand against totalitarianism. You stand against the dictators that seek to invade sovereign nations. So the 38th Infantry Division, since its inception over a hundred years ago, in the First World War was the artillery. In the Second World War, in the Philippines. And I would make sure to say that on day four of the Grand Pass, this is a great thought that goes on to face the people. But by day 14, that was not the case. The 30 days have been in the arena with the Rangers and Vietnam. And we're in the arena today. And they've always been in the arena. And for that, those of you here today, I extend my personal gratitude and my professional appreciation. So I think it's only appropriate to share with you my clear and simple priorities which are design and continue to build the readiness of this division. Those are retention, training, equipping, and servant leadership. And retention, each soldier is a national treasure. The Army worked hard to train you and we will work even harder to keep you serving. A key component, keeping soldiers in uniform is carefully crafted training. Soldiers want to do their job. Realistic mission-based training is what we want, what we deserve, and what we will get. As custodians of our nation's precious resources, we take care of our equipment because our very lives depend upon it.