God grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right even though I think it is hopeless.
The battle of Iwo Island has been won. The United States Marines by their individual and collective courage have conquered a base which is as necessary to us in our continuing forward movement toward final victory as it was vital to the enemy in staving off ultimate defeat.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the bravery and significance of the Marines' efforts in securing Iwo Jima during World War II.
Chester W. Nimitz emphasizes the valor demonstrated by the United States Marines during the battle of Iwo Island, asserting that their courage, both as individuals and as a unit, played a crucial role in securing an essential base for the Allied forces. He reflects on the strategic importance of Iwo Jima, underscoring how its capture not only served as a victory for the Marines but also contributed significantly to the overall war effort against the enemy.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about teamwork and bravery, one could quote Nimitz to inspire efforts during challenging times.
More from Chester W. Nimitz
All quotes βSome of the best advice I've had comes from junior officers and enlisted men.
Hindsight is notably cleverer than foresight.
By their victory, the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the Fifth Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.
The U.S.'s major strength factor and weapon is its economy. If you cripple it, you cripple the military.
That is not to say that we can relax our readiness to defend ourselves. Our armament must be adequate to the needs, but our faith is not primarily in these machines of defense but in ourselves.
Similar quotes
The more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.
Around us there is the presence of evil. The devil is at work. But in a loud voice I say: GOD IS STRONGER.
It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure in order to embrace the new & unknown.
Like: 'Don't walk out there with one hand in your pocket unless there's somethin' in there you're going to bring out.' You gotta commit. You've gotta go out there and improvise and you've gotta be completely unafraid to die. You've got to be able to take a chance to die. And you have to die lots. You have to die all the time.
I wish I had the courage not to fight and doubt everything... I wish, just once, I could say, 'This. This is good enough. Just because I choose it.
Courage in the path is what makes the path manifest itself.