Courage Defined

Courage can best be summed up in six words: Make a statement, take a stand. To find courage I believe it is important to imitate it and who better to replicate than former British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill.

He was born in 1874 and died in 1965 leaving behind him a legacy of famous quotes that few have equaled. From his trademark hat, bow-tie, and ever-present cigar there was just something about Churchill you had to respect. No one could deliver a speech like Churchill.

Though up until World War II, public opinion had labeled him as one who lacked judgment, stability, and many found him to be untrustworthy. All that would change when Adolf Hitler and the German Nazis came knocking on Great Britain’s doorstep. History has recorded that Churchill and Great Britain not only survived but flourished, in large thanks to his ability to rally the troops and nation.

In my personal opinion, here are the words that best sum him up taken from a speech he made in 1941:

“Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

We all experience discouragement from time to time. For me personally, I had a long period of depression to the point of despair, where life had gotten the best of me and it appeared I had quit trying. But, when I finally took my eyes off the ground and started to look up I realized I was focusing too much on the pain. In an effort to regain my courage, I gave up feeling sorry for myself and stopped thinking about myself. Courage demands we think about others first, put on a brave face and make a stand regardless of how we bad we feel or how bad the situation looks. So now I have adopted a new philosophy: Pain, like evil, must never triumph.

“It’s not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to do what’s required.” ~Winston Churchill

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True Valor

When I think of Memorial Day the word valor comes to mind. This word best describes someone who possesses exceptional courage when facing danger. A certain soldier who served in World War I comes to mind and of whom former President Ronald Reagan paid special tribute to in his first Inaugural Address:

Under one such marker lies a young man, Martin Treptow, who left his job in a small town barbershop in 1917 to go to France with the famed Rainbow Division. There, on the western front, he was killed trying to carry a message between battalions under heavy artillery fire.

We are told that on his body was found a diary. On the flyleaf under the heading, "My Pledge," he had written these words: "America must win this war. Therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone."

In my opinion, our country remains great because of men and women who gave everything to keep this country free. May none of us forget their sacrifice and may none of us ever be willing to do less than our utmost to keep our country great. Perhaps such valor shouldn't be so uncommon in our everyday lives.

I will leave you with a quote from the Revolutionary War hero, Nathan Hale, who spoke these words before he was hung by the British for being a spy, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

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Man vs Quad: The last days have been better and I look forward to visiting the doctor tomorrow.