If I still had my legs, I would be in line for a battalion command, and instead, I'm flying a desk.
Tammy DuckworthRead
I went to Iraq in 2004 because I believe in doing my duty, not because I agreed with the war.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the importance of duty over personal belief in difficult situations.
Tammy Duckworth expresses a profound sense of duty that drove her to serve in Iraq despite her disagreement with the war itself. It highlights the notion that individuals can act honorably based on their responsibilities, even when they do not agree with the decisions that necessitate those actions. This sentiment resonates deeply in contexts where moral and ethical dilemmas arise, showcasing the courage to fulfill one’s obligations.
Themes
DutyCourageServiceWarEthics
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of serving your country despite personal beliefs.
More from Tammy Duckworth
All quotes →It was the combination of hard work and a hand up that allowed me to become one of the first women to fly in combat missions and achieve my American Dream.
Tammy DuckworthRead
The women putting their lives at risk for our country deserve better than to be treated as second-class citizens.
Tammy DuckworthRead
The wheelchair and the prosthesis give me a soapbox to stand on. If it helps me get my message across, I'm glad; then we need to talk about what we need to do for this country.
Tammy DuckworthRead
As I recovered at Walter Reed, I worried about the soldiers who pulled me out of my helicopter that Friday afternoon. Would they make it back okay? And what about all the other soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who were also putting their lives on the line every day?
Tammy DuckworthRead
My experience in Iraq made me realize, and during the recovery, that I could have died. And I just had to do more with my life.
Tammy DuckworthRead
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