[James Ewell Brown Stuart]

But the point of the speech was not the inevitable defeat. It was in spite of the overwhelming odds and certain death (and Armistead did die of wounds sustained at Gettysburg), Virginia was worth the sacrifice.

I am sorry that Allen lost, but wasn't the idea of Virginia worth all the time and effort you put into the election. I know you are heartbroken. I am too, especially with Rummy gone. But your efforts were not in vain.

I have to go now, (so I won't be able to find it) but the men of Gondor say something to Frodo about what it means to be on the outer defenses in a war that they did not think they were going to win. It was the same thing Armistead said. We will not submit without a fight and our freedom is worth the sacrifice we make here today.

[Ramius]

Well, I suppose Misada was worth it too... but we ain't there yet.

:-)

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

the men of Gondor say something to Frodo about what it means to be on the outer defenses in a war that they did not think they were going to win.

This point is well stated in a scene from the 'Fellowship of the Ring':

Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.

This was what kept the Byzantine Empire protecting the West from the Islamic hordes for nearly 1000 years, all the time expecting to be eventually defeated. This was the valor of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. We do not fight for profit, we fight for what is right!