Carolina QuotesCivilians are only morally bound to salute our flag. We are legally bound. All Americans are morally bound to die for our flag, if called upon. Only we are legally bound. Only we live our lives in a day to day readiness for that sacrifice. We have sworn our oaths and cut our ties. We have given up wealth and home life, except as San Pablo is our home. It marks us. It sets us apart. We are uncomfortable reminders, in time of peace. Those of you who served in the last war know what I mean.
Richard McKenna Carolinian
Source
Ch. 5; speech of Lt. Collins
- form
- speech
- work
- The Sand Pebbles (1962)
- year
- 1962
Cite this record
“Civilians are only morally bound to salute our flag. We are …” Richard McKenna. Carolina Quotes, record CQ-8366CE1CB4. https://carolinaquotes.com/quote/8366ce1cb4
More from Richard McKenna
It is said there will be no more war. We must pretend to believe that. But when war comes, it is we who will take the first shock and buy time with our lives. It is we who keep the faith. We are not honored for it. We are called mercenaries on the outposts of empire. … We serve the flag. The trade we follow is the give and take of death. It is for that purpose the American people maintain us. Any one of us who believes he has a job like any other, for which he draws a money wage, is a thief of the food he eats and a trespasser in the bunk in which he lies down to sleep!
Jake Holman knew he was a strange bird and he was used to going aboard new ships. By the time they realized they were in a struggle Jake Holman would already have made for himself the place he wanted on their ship and they could never dislodge him. Or wish to.
"Hello, ship," Jake Holman said under his breath. The ship was asleep and did not hear him.