There is a long tradition of military commanders giving final words of encouragement to their troops before battle.
Below is a speech given by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Collins to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. It seems somewhat ironic to me that our military leaders appear to be more eloquent, and have a better understanding of the meaning of what they are doing, than the politicians who instruct them in our name.
The actual speech is here. Although I don’t agree with the whole “liberation” perspective in the speech, it really is eloquent and worth reading. It certainly shows more respect for the Iraqi people than Bush has …
