To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving the peace.

To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving the peace.

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense read more

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country.

In his address of 19 September 1796, given as he prepared to leave office, President George Washington spoke about the read more

In his address of 19 September 1796, given as he prepared to leave office, President George Washington spoke about the importance of morality to the country's well-being: Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.... And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.... Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a Nation with its virtue?

Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall read more

Our country's honor calls upon us for a vigorous and manly exertion; and if we now shamefully fail, we shall become infamous to the whole world.

The new constitution established a president with powers unheard of in the republican United States. Some even wanted him to read more

The new constitution established a president with powers unheard of in the republican United States. Some even wanted him to be king, a thought that GW found ludicrous: What astonishing changes a few years are capable of producing! I am told that even respectable characters speak of a monarchical form of government without horror. From thinking proceeds speaking, thence to acting is often but a single step. But how irrevocable and tremendous! What a triumph for the advocates of despotism to find that we are incapable of governing ourselves, and that systems founded on the basis of equal liberty are merely ideal & fallacious!

America was targeted for attack because we are the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world, and no read more

America was targeted for attack because we are the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world, and no one will keep that light from shining.

The power and diversity of the Armed Forces, active Guard and Reserve, the resolve of our fellow citizens, the flexibility read more

The power and diversity of the Armed Forces, active Guard and Reserve, the resolve of our fellow citizens, the flexibility in our command to navigate international waters that remain troubled are all essential to our security.

That is not to say that we can relax our readiness to defend ourselves. Our armament must be adequate to read more

That is not to say that we can relax our readiness to defend ourselves. Our armament must be adequate to the needs, but our faith is not primarily in these machines of defense but in ourselves.

Self-defense is the clearest of all laws, and for this reason: lawyers didn't make it

Self-defense is the clearest of all laws, and for this reason: lawyers didn't make it