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.
Adversity isn't an obstacle that we need to get around in order to resume living our life. It's part of our life.
For the pride of trace and trail was his, and sick unto death, he could not bear that another dog should do his work.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
They can't hurt me. Sure, they can crush you and kill you. They can lay you out on 42nd and Broadway and put hoses on you and flush you in the sewers and put you on the subway and carry you out to Coney island and bury you on the Ferris wheel. But I refuse to sit here and worry about dying.
No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race, so it starts with Confederate flags. Get them out of here. They have no place for them.
To those people doubting Serena Williams, writing her off - do not do that to a champion.
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