Anthony Mackie Quotes

What could I do but go with them Civil War soldiers, or work for them and my country? The patriot blood of my father was warm in my veins.

My typical paradigm is that I do believe in public service. My father's a military man. He really does always speak about the fact that there is actually nothing more valuable that you can do than actually to serve your country. And I buy that.

The late Rev. Peter Gomes at The Memorial Church at Harvard was a true mentor to me when I was in college. He instilled in me a commitment to service, saying that it's not enough to believe in service, or support those who serve - you ought to find a way yourself to serve. When I looked at different options after college, nobody inspired me more than the 18- and 19-year-olds who serve on the front lines of our nation's military. Serving with them in the Marines as we together served our country was the greatest honor of my life to date.

I wanted to serve. It was Desert Storm. I thought, 'I was a rich kid, and America's been good to me.'

For me, it's an honor for the military to ask me to go to Iraq, Afghanistan, or GITMO. I'm happy to go.

I think standing and fighting and working alongside all of these people that raise their right hand and serve their nation... really wipes away the distractions of some of the petty things we think are important at home.

It's a professional military. You sign up and agree to allow your countrymen to use your life as they see fit for the next four years. And I think we all should have a greater role in ensuring that we use those lives wisely.

Are you a politician who says to himself, 'I will use my country for my own benefit?' If so, you are naught but a parasite living on the flesh of others. Or are you a devoted patriot, who whispers in the ear of his inner self, I love to serve my country as a faithful servant." Are you a politician asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one asking what you can do for your country?

The traditional definition of patriotism was more associated with the military. Now we have broadened the definition to not only service to one’s country, but service to all mankind.

Let me start by saying I wish no country had the need for an army. But in Israel, serving is part of being an Israeli. You've got to give back to the state. You give two or three years, and it's not about you. You give your freedom away. You learn discipline and respect.

It's an extraordinary thing to do, to go into the military and to serve your country.

Our brave servicemen and women sacrifice so much for us all - whether they're spending months away from their families and friends or putting their lives on the line for our country.

My family have a long story of service to our country.

Our people sacrifice a lot for their country, including their lives. None of them should have to sacrifice their integrity as well.

There’s no way I’m going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country.

When the life of the nation was attempted, when the cause of liberty and human rights called for their aid, they rushed forth to rally under the banner they loved, with grand singleness of purpose and heroic devotion--leaving all behind them, to meet toil and danger, hunger, sickness, wounds, and death, for nothing but the sublime satisfaction of doing their duty to their country and to mankind.

I decided to join the military to give back to my country and help pay for college.

A hero would die for his country, but he'd much rather live for it.

For the sake of my country, and perhaps a little for the sake of my soul, I have given up the deep peace of being in opposition.

I was born in a family with a strong military background, so I chose to be a soldier.

The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.

If I have to lay an egg for my country, I'll do it.

If you can ask a young man to give his life for his country, you can lead people.

Any man and woman, and I've been on the record, any man or woman who wears the uniform and serves this country is a hero. I've said that repeatedly at all the town halls I've had.

There's a tradition of public service in my family. I'm one of three boys that joined the military. My father was in the Peace Corps.