We have gone forth from our shores repeatedly over the last hundred years and we've done this as recently as the last year in Afghanistan and put wonderful young men and women at risk, many of whom have lost their lives, and we have asked for nothing except enough ground to bury them in, and otherwise we have returned home to seek our own lives in peace.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the sacrifices made by soldiers and their desire for peace after serving their country.
Colin Powell's quote underscores the profound sacrifices that armed forces members make during conflicts, emphasizing that they fight not for glory or recognition, but for the fundamental dignity of being able to rest in peace after their service. It highlights the stark contrast between the risks they undertake and the simplicity of their request to return home in safety, showcasing a deep respect for their commitment and the tragic consequences of war.
In practice
In a ceremony honoring veterans, this quote can be shared to acknowledge their sacrifices.
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. I am talking about a gung-ho attitude that says 'we can change things here, we can achieve awesome goals, we can be the best. 'Spare me the grim litany of the 'realist;' give me the unrealistic aspirations of the optimist any day.
One of the fondest expressions around is that we can't be the world's policeman. But guess who gets called when suddenly someone needs a cop.
Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.
If you get the dirty end of the stick, sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool.
High-quality early-childhood programs and health coverage have expanded, and the number of mentoring relationships for at-risk youth has risen dramatically. That progress is encouraging, but it's not evenly distributed.
As I've thought about gay marriage, I don't see any reason not to say that [couples] should be able to get married.
In 70s America, protest used to be very effective, but in subsequent decades municipalities have sneakily created a web of "overpermiticisation" - requirements that were designed to stifle freedom of assembly and the right to petition government for redress of grievances, both of which are part of our first amendment.
Sobriety was the greatest gift I ever gave myself. I don't put it on a platform. I don't campaign about it. It's just something that works for me. It enabled me to really connect with another human being - my wife, Sheryl - which I was never able to do before.
Few are born bold. Even Napoleon had to cultivate the habit on the battlefield, where he knew it was a matter of life and death. In social settings he was awkward and timid, but he overcame this and practice boldness in every part of his life because he saw its tremendous power, how it could literally enlarge a man(even one who, like Napoleon, was in fact conspicuously small).
I can't run away when I'm scared. I always have to attack. That's how I deal with seemingly difficult things.
It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.
I dislike death, however, there are some things I dislike more than death. Therefore, there are times when I will not avoid danger.
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