For some reason any time that I think of Veterans, I am reminded of Winston Churchill’s great speeches during World War II.
The British soldiers and their resolve are a true testament to what a Veteran stands for.
I have copied below an excerpt from one of his most famous speeches.
Some of the tidbits that left me inspired:
I have, myself full confidence that if all do their duty…we prove ourselves once again able to outlive the menace of tyranny.
We shall not flag or fail.
We shall go on to the end.
We shall defend our island.
We shall never surrender.
Winston Churchill’s ability to rouse the troops and invigorate their spirit in opposition to their enemy shows what kind of a person a “Veteran” really is.
Someone who is inspired by pride in their country.
Someone who will never surrender.
Someone who will face evil in all its might and emerge victorious.
Someone who will risk his/her life while coming to the aid of others.
Someone who believes that ideals and principles are more important than even their own life.
I am and will be forever grateful for those American soldiers who fought in World War II. I am also thankful for their allies and their leadership as well.
Make it a great day.
Jake
Winston Churchill from “We Shall Fight on the Beaches”
“I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone.
At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty’s Government-every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation. The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death their native soil, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.
Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail.
We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God’s good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.”
Full speech is here if you want to read it:
Also, if you have some time to spend reading more of this stuff, go to this site:
http://www.winstonchurchill.org/learn/speeches/speeches-of-winston-churchill
The Daily Attitude Email 