George Haven Putnam Quotes

Will they attack us? Yes. Will they smear our backgrounds and distort our records? Undoubtedly. Will they lie about us, harass our families, namecall to try to intimidate us? They will. There's nothing safe about it. But is it worth it? Well, let me ask you. Is freedom worth it? Is America worth it?

The security of our nation depends on the men and women who are willing to sacrifice their safety, and possibly their lives, to protect the freedoms the rest of us enjoy.

The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth.

The only principles of public conduct that are worthy of a gentleman or a man are to sacrifice estate, ease, health, and applause, and even life, to the sacred calls of his country.

I would prefer being in a hard battle; however, I will be satisfied with whatever happens to me in this war, if only the country comes out of this peril safe and to the satisfaction of the finest and best government on earth.

It is up to you to decide who to believe: the same people as usual or those who endanger their lives to save the country.

The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.

Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.

Anyone who wants to carry on the war against the outsiders, come with me. I can’t offer you either honours or wages; I offer you hunger, thirst, forced marches, battles and death. Anyone who loves his country, follow me.

I gave my life for freedom--This I know; For those who bade me fight had told me so.

The Old Guard dies and never surrenders. La Vieille Garde meurt et ne se rend pas.

Let France be free, and I care not if my name is dishonored.

I intend to remain in this divine land and fight to the death.

I own frankly now that I am to engage, that what I may do may be reckoned and will be reckoned desperate. All appearances seem to be against me. Interest, prudence, and the obligations to you which I lie under, will prevent most people in my situation from taking a resolution that may probably end in my utter ruin. My life, my fortune, my expectations, the happiness of my wife and children are all at stake …, and yet a principle (what seems to me) honour, and my duty to King and Country, outweighs everything.

There is but one task for all— For each one life to give. Who stands if freedom fall? Who dies if England live?

I would rather bury myself under the ruins of my country than basely yield to the wishes of the enemy.

They serve so that we don't have to. They offer to give up their lives so that we can be free. It is, remarkably, their gift to us. And all they ask for in return is that we never send them into harm's way unless it is absolutely necessary. Will they ever trust us again?

Blessed is that country whose soldiers fight for it and are willing to give the best they have, the best that any man has, their own lives, to preserve it, because they love it. Such an army the United States has always commanded in every crisis of its history.

Those with less of a sense of service to the nation never understand it when men and women of character step forward to look danger and adversity straight in the eye, refusing to blink, or give ground, even to their own deaths. The protected can't begin to understand the price paid so they and their families can sleep safe and free at night.

Soldiers, I intend to stay here, not only as long as a man remains, but as long as a piece of a man is left.

From the depths of the Pacific to the deserts of Iraq, more than a million American soldiers, Airmen, midshipmen, and Marines have laid down their lives for their friends, their families and our nation.

I will do my duty no matter what the price, I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice. Oh, and I don't want to die for you, but if dying is asked of me, I'll bear that cross of honor cause freedom don't come free.

A real man will never let his fear of death overpower his honor, his sense of duty to his country, and his innate manhood.

The treason of which I stand convicted loses all its guilt, has been sanctified as a duty, and will be ennobled as a sacrifice.

Worthless is the nation that does not gladly stake its all on its honor.