“It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the
strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done
them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the
arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood; who
strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who
knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends
himself in a worthy cause; who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high
achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly,
so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who
know neither victory nor defeat.”
When he spoke at Annapolis, President Trump, who in his life has
stepped into “The Arena” on more than one occasion, had this to say:
“Together we struggle. Together we strive. Together we pray. And
together we triumph as citizens, as patriots, as Americans. We stand
on the shoulders of heroes who gave their sweat, their blood, their
tears, and their very lives for this great country of ours. This is our
heritage. This is our home. And this is our pledge. We are all-in for
America, like never before. We are all-in for our great country.”
Nowhere was that “all-in” attitude more evident than during World
War Two, which, as President Trump has noted, resulted in a massive
clash of wills and weapons.
“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the conclusion of World War
II – a monumental struggle between the forces of freedom and tyranny.
In both the European and Pacific Theaters, the United States Army was
critical to the success of the Allied Forces. The historic triumph came
at a somber price, as the Army bore the brunt of the fighting – and
human cost – of our Nation’s contribution to victory in the war. As we
celebrate the United States Army’s incredible accomplishments, we
also pause to remember those Soldiers who laid down their lives to
defend our freedom and protect their fellow Americans.”
Citizen-soldiers have volunteered to step into “The Arena” for a long
time. In 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the
Continental Army to fight for the nation’s independence. Blood was
shed at the birth of America just as blood is being shed now to keep
the promise of freedom alive.
PRESIDENT DONALD J TRUMP WAVES as
he exits Marine One onboard Naval Air Station
Sigonella. US Navy photo by Mass Communication
Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon.
“In the 245 years since, the United States Army has helped defend
our freedom all over the world and has made countless contributions
to our Nation’s security and the American way of life,” the president
said, adding that “We recognize the United States Army for its
many achievements and pay tribute to all those who have served in
America’s oldest military branch.
“This year, we celebrate our brave soldiers – active, guard, and
reserve, past and present – who are willing to put themselves in
harm’s way and make the ultimate sacrifice for our country during
times of both war and peace. As Commander in Chief, I join a grateful
Nation in wishing the United States Army a happy 245th birthday.”
As a part of that celebration, America has built (though not yet
opened) a 185,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility at Fort Belvoir,
Virginia, that holds 15,000 pieces from the Army Art Collection as well
as 30,000 artifacts, documents, and images, the majority of which
have never been displayed in public. Its official name: The National
Museum of the United States Army.
“This is a home for our soldiers,” said Tammy E. Call, the museum’s
Director. “This is a gathering place … to bring their families, to bring
their friends, and to be able to showcase where they served and what
they did – and be able to tell that story.”
The stories of America’s Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen
continue to be written: stories of heroics and victories; sadness
and loss. Some will be shared in quiet moments of comfort and
pain; others will be shared in exhilaration and joy, such as when
President Trump in his capacity as Commander in Chief spoke to the
graduating class at Annapolis:
“Live for adventure. Think big. Dream bigger. Push further. Sail faster.
Fly higher. And never, ever stop reaching for greatness. Never stop
reaching for the stars. You know you’re up to the task. You’re among
the finest people anywhere in the world, the smartest, the strongest.
You know you will make us proud. We know that glory will be yours
because you are winners. You are warriors. You are fighters. You are
champions, and you will lead us only to victory.”
Jim lamb is a retired journalist. He served in Vietnam with the United States Navy
and later went to college on the GI Bill.
THE US MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT held its
graduation and commissioning ceremony for the Class of
2020 on The Plain in West Point, New York, June 13, 2020.
US Army Photo by Sergeant First Class Torin Olsen.
124 The TRUMP RALLY Publication