EVE OF BATTLE SPEECH

Weekly Standard ^ | 4/07/03 | Major General J.N. Mattis

[woofie]

Major General J.N. Mattis of the United States Marine Corps delivered this impressive eve-of-battle message to the 1st Marine Division, then in Kuwait:

For decades, Saddam Hussein has tortured, imprisoned, raped, and murdered the Iraqi people; invaded neighboring countries without provocation; and threatened the world with weapons of mass destruction. The time has come to end his reign of terror. On your young shoulders rest the hopes of mankind.

When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. Our fight is not with the Iraqi people, nor is it with members of the Iraqi army who choose to surrender. While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam's oppression.

Chemical attack, treachery, and use of the innocent as human shields can be expected, as can other unethical tactics. Take it all in stride. Be the hunter, not the hunted: Never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down. Use good judgment and act in the best interests of our nation.

You are part of the world's most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit.

"For the mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division's colors in past battles--who fought for life and never lost their nerve--carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" than a U.S. Marine.

[Balata]

bttt

[Jeff Head]

Now that is an inspiring and all-American speech!

God bless the United States Marines and all of our armed forces personnel.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Thanks John.

"For the mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division's colors in past battles--who fought for life and never lost their nerve--carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" than a U.S. Marine.

Amen!

[amom]

Thanks for the ping.

"No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" than a U.S. Marine...

[patriciaruth]

4/07/03 ?

[MeekOneGOP]

Thanks, woofie !

Don't miss the speech by the British commander in post #2 as well . . .

Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my General Interest ping list!. . .don't be shy.

[MeekOneGOP]

I saw that too. Whoops ! :O)

[Cincinatus]

Here’s the best “Eve of Battle” speech:

Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made
And crowns for convoy put into his purse:
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is called the feast of Crispian:
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian:'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars.
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispin's day.'
Old men forget: yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day: then shall our names.
Familiar in his mouth as household words
Harry the king, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester,
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

King Henry V, IV, 3

[ThomasMore]

WOW!

"and the Truth will set you free!"

[woofie]

4/07/03 ?

Its a magazine ..they date them a week ahead

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the heads up!

[blackie]

Two powerful speeches, thanks for the ping!

Let's Roll!

[cherry_bomb88]

Demonstrate to the world there is "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" than a U.S. Marine/b>

These words are so true!

[GretchenEE]

A very anti-negativity, pro-right thinking bump for two short and excellent, stirring speeches (original post and reply #2).

[JavaTheHutt]

These speeches will find their way into the history books, at least until the commies in charge of publik edukashun stop teaching history.