May the sun never set on American baseball.
Harry S. TrumanRead
They said we were soft, that we would not fight, that we could not win. We are not a warlike nation. We do not go to war for gain or for territory; we go to war for principles, and we produce young men like these. I think I told every one of them that I would rather have that medal, the Congressional Medal of Honor, than to be President of the United States.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of fighting for principles rather than for personal gain or territory.
Harry S. Truman reflects on the character of his nation, highlighting that their motivations for going to war are rooted in principles rather than in conquest or gain. He expresses a deep respect for those who fight valiantly for these ideals, suggesting that true honor lies in their sacrifice over political power, as symbolized by his preference for the Congressional Medal of Honor over the presidency.
Themes
CouragePrinciplesSacrificeHonorWar
In practice
Example use cases
During a veteran's speech, this quote can be used to highlight the true motives behind their service.
More from Harry S. Truman
All quotes →Having found the bomb we have used it. We have used it against those who attacked us without warning at Pearl Harbor, against those who have starved and beaten and executed American prisoners of war, against those who have abandoned all pretense of obeying international laws of warfare. We have used it in order to shorten the agony of war, in order to save the lives of thousands and thousands of young Americans.
Harry S. TrumanRead
Herbert Hoover once ran on the slogan, 'Two cars in every garage'. Apparently, the Republican candidate this year is running on the slogan, 'Two families in every garage'.
Harry S. TrumanRead
The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.
Harry S. TrumanRead
I never would have agreed to the formulation of the Central Intelligence Agency back in forty-seven, if I had known it would become the American Gestapo.
Harry S. TrumanRead
I would rather have peace in the world than be President.
Harry S. TrumanRead
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