By: Melville House Publishing

For many, the moment comes when the uniform is neatly folded for the final time, the boots are put away, and the once-familiar routines of military life fade into the past. No longer are mornings defined by early alarms and drills; instead, the pace slows, and the world becomes quieter. Yet, for some, the oath they took while wearing the uniform continues to echo. It transforms from a formal pledge into something much more profound—a lifelong commitment sustained by faith, purpose, and resilience.

Ernest Long Jr., the author of The Oath: A Journey of Service, Faith, and Duty, learned early on that a promise, once made, doesn’t end with the removal of a uniform. Raised in the rural South of North Carolina, Ernest’s foundation was built on lessons of family, discipline, and faith. He spent summers working alongside his grandparents, learning hard work in the tobacco fields, caring for animals, and attending church every Sunday. These formative years did more than shape his work ethic—they molded his character, teaching him that strength is not defined solely by physical endurance but by integrity and perseverance.

The Call to Serve

When Ernest enlisted in the United States Navy, it wasn’t to escape his circumstances, but to seek something bigger than himself. He recalls the first time he swore the military oath, not fully understanding its weight. “At eighteen, I didn’t grasp the true meaning of that oath,” Ernest writes in his memoir. “But with time, I realized that service wasn’t about the uniform or the rank—it was about fulfilling a higher purpose.”

During his service aboard the USS Santa Barbara and USS Fulton, Ernest discovered that faith, not just duty, kept him anchored. Whether battling the demands of naval life or facing the solitude of being at sea, he realized that service, driven by faith, became more than just a career—it was a vocation, a calling that would shape him forever.

From Sea to Service: A New Path

Following his time in the Navy, Ernest transitioned into a new form of service as a member of the U.S. Park Police. While the uniform may have changed, his commitment remained unaltered. As a federal officer, Ernest found himself protecting the nation’s treasures and citizens. Each day, as he donned his uniform, he was reminded that his oath to serve was not just a job—it was a lifelong mission.

A Test of Faith: September 11, 2001

The true depth of Ernest’s commitment was tested during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. On that fateful day, Ernest was stationed in New York when the World Trade Center was attacked. “When the towers fell, it felt like time itself had stopped,” Ernest recalls. “But in that moment, faith had to be stronger than fear.”

Ernest and his fellow officers sprang into action, assisting in evacuations and securing the area amidst the chaos. The memories of that day remain seared into his mind, but it was also a stark reminder of what it truly meant to serve and protect. For Ernest, 9/11 was another chapter in his ongoing journey to fulfill his oath, continuing to protect and serve long after that fateful day.

Life After Service: The Oath Continues

After years of serving his country, Ernest retired from active duty. Yet, even in retirement, his promise to serve did not end. “When you can no longer serve in the field, you serve with your words, your heart, and your example,” Ernest shares. His story and his lessons continue to inspire, as he demonstrates that an oath is not just a commitment made in uniform—it is a commitment to live with honor and integrity long after retirement.

The Oath: A Journey of Service, Faith, and Duty is not a story about medals or titles. It is an exploration of what it means to live with purpose, humility, and courage. Ernest’s life serves as a testament to the belief that true service goes far beyond official duties—it is a lifelong dedication to others, shaped by faith and integrity.

Service Beyond Retirement

True service does not end with retirement. It lives on in every act of kindness, every choice to do right, and every time we stand firm in our faith. For Ernest Long Jr., his oath remains alive in his work, in his words, and in his enduring belief that God’s plan is always at work, even in hardship.

“You can hang the medals on the wall,” Ernest writes, “but the real reward is knowing that you kept your promise—to your country, to your family, and to God.”

In a world where promises often fall short, Ernest’s story is a powerful reminder that the most enduring form of service comes not from accolades, but from the heart. The uniform may fade, but the oath—a promise rooted in faith, courage, and love—will forever remain steadfast.