Rudyard Kipling"
“When you're left wounded on Afganistan's plains and
the women come out to cut up what remains, Just roll to your rifle
and blow out your brains,
And go to your God like a soldier”
General Douglas MacArthur"
“We are not retreating. We are advancing in another direction.”
“It is fatal to enter any war without the will to win it.” “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.
“The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and be the deepest wounds and scars of war.”
“May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't .” “The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.
“Nobody ever defended, there is only attack and attack and attack some more.
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
The Soldier stood and faced God
Which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining
Just as bright as his brass
"Step forward you Soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't
Because those of us who carry guns
Can't always be a saint."
I've had to work on Sundays
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep.
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,
The Soldier squared his shoulders and said
And I never passed a cry for help
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand,
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod
As the Soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, you Soldier,
You've borne your burden well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."
Indian Warrior Queen Fights British Empire - The Rani of Jhansi
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
During the Indian Revolt of 1857-59, a young 29-year old warrior queen, rose up and led her people against the British Empire. This is the story of the Rani of Jhansi. When I was a kid, my mother related this story to me.
Rani Laxmi Bai's niece, Maharani Ganga Bai had fought alongside her in the battle of Jhansi in 1857. She was sixteen at that time. Hounded by the British, she fled to Nepal. In 1893, Ganga Bai came to Calcutta and set up one of first institutions for women's education in India: the Adi Mahakali Pathsala.
My sister-in-law is the present headmistress of that school. The school houses some of her personal items. You can find a half bust statue of her in the premises. What fascinating lives these women lead! What a captivating and enlightening video! I am truly in awe of the courageous spirit and unwavering determination displayed by the Rani of Jhansi in her fearless fight against the British Empire.
It's incredible to think that she was born a mere 8 miles from where I reside, as the crow flies. This remarkable piece of history hits close to home, reminding us of the indomitable strength that flows through our very surroundings.
What an incredible, larger-than-life character. Like a lot of the personalities in the 1857 rebellion!
