Our ships were British oak,
And hearts of oak our men.

Our ships were British oak,
And hearts of oak our men.

'My country, right or wrong,' is a thing that no patriot would think of saying except in a desperate case. read more

'My country, right or wrong,' is a thing that no patriot would think of saying except in a desperate case. It is like saying, 'My mother, drunk or sober.'

One of the great attractions of patriotism - it fulfills our worst wishes. In the person of our nation we read more

One of the great attractions of patriotism - it fulfills our worst wishes. In the person of our nation we are able, vicariously, to bully and cheat. Bully and cheat, what's more, with a feeling that we are profoundly virtuous.

Put none but Americans on guard tonight.

Put none but Americans on guard tonight.

I have ten thousand for defense, but none to surrender; if you
want our weapons come and get them.

I have ten thousand for defense, but none to surrender; if you
want our weapons come and get them.

Our country, right or wrong! When right, to be kept right; when
wrong, to be put right!

Our country, right or wrong! When right, to be kept right; when
wrong, to be put right!

A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.

A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.

I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.

I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.

Our land is the dearer of our sacrifices. The blood of our
martyrs sanctifies and enriches it. Their spirit read more

Our land is the dearer of our sacrifices. The blood of our
martyrs sanctifies and enriches it. Their spirit passes into
thousands of hearts. How costly is the progress of the race. It
is only by the giving of life that we can have life.