Democracy is only as strong as its people. That message to cadets from actor and best-selling author George Takei. The National Character and Leadership Symposium kicked off at #youracademy today with Takei sharing his personal story about spending much of his childhood in an internment camp in California. Despite having his freedoms taken away, Takei says his father taught him that the ideals of democracy are noble, but that a strong democracy requires active, engaged participation of its people. This year's NCLS theme is ethics and respect for human dignity. Over the next two days military leaders, athletes, authors, and others will share their unique insight through discussions with our future leaders of the @usairforce and @spaceforcedod. #NCLS2022 #leadersofcharacter #livehonorably #liftothers #elevateperformance #ethics #respect @georgehtakei