Ginny-LTBF 
Posts: 175
Brighton, MI
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| 09 Sep 2008 7:00 PM |
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| My deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of PFC Bryan R. Thomas. Thank you Bryan for your dedication to serve and ultimate sacrifice. I owe you and your family a debt that can never be repaid. You will all remain in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time and beyond. I can only promise that you will never be forgotten. Thank you for my freedom. |
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Ginny Cola
Vice President
Fallen Heroes Memorial Foundation |
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Rondawg
Posts: 319
Madisonville, Republic of Texas
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| 10 Sep 2008 7:54 AM |
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Thank you, PFC. Bryan R. Thomas for your service to this Nation. It is because of patriots such as you that I, my family, and the rest of this great Nation are able to lead the lives we do. It is the soldier that gives us freedom, not the politicians. Only two people ever died for our freedoms. One was Jesus Christ and the other was the American Soldier. The least I can do is pay homage and respect to this Hero and his family.
To the family of this American Hero: We as a nation grieve with you in your loss. His adherence to “Duty to God and Country” will not be forgotten. Death is a time to rejoice in the life someone had and the lives they touched on this earth. Life is but a blink of an eye. May the Great Architect take this Hero and his family into his council, protect and heal them.
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You don't have to love war, but you do have to love the Warrior!
The sound of 200 people holding flags -- is deafening.
Rondawg
PGR Member #2799
Madisonville, Republic of Texas
Riding in Honor of:
Wm. Travis Nelson (USN / Korean War) Brother
Ryan L. Nelson (USN / Pentagon on 9/11/01) Son
CW2 Brandon Leggett (7th Calv. Chopper Pilot/ Operation Iraq Freedom) Son-in-law (returning to Iraq in July 2008 with 6/17 calv)
Sgt. Perry Kuykendauhl (Ranger / Omaha Beach) Uncle
Lt. Joel Nelson (101 Airborn / Nam) Cousin
Sgt. Ralph Brisco (USMC / Iwo Jima) Friend
And in HONOR and MEMORY of:
PFC Brett Tribble (Friend), PFC Jeff Shaffer, Staff Sgt. Ed Reynolds, CPL Benji Rosales, Spc. Carl Eason, Cpt. David M. Fraser, Sgt.Gary S. Johnston (Son of a friend), SSgt. Gary C. Johnston (KIA Viet Nam: Uncle of Sgt. Gary S. Johnston), Pfc Cory Koster, Sgt. Ryan P. Green, Pfc Larry Guyton, Lnc Cpl Bobby Twitty, Sgt. Randell Olguin, CW3 Don Clark, CW2 Chris Humphreys, and ALL past and present who have served for this Country. I am Proud and Honored to do so. |
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dlinjerdal
Posts: 1951
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| 10 Sep 2008 10:10 AM |
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| May God Bless and hold close the friends and family of PFC. Thomas in this most difficult time we are so sorry for your loss we will never forget you Bryan we will always have you in our hearts and forever be grateful to you for our freedom rest well our hero you are with God now. |
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Jerry & Linda |
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harly69g
Posts: 8073
Ride Captain
Owensboro, KY
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| 10 Sep 2008 10:33 AM |
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UPDATE: Confirmed, Details to be posted.
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In Memory: Terri L. Newman 11/64 - 07/05
In Memory: Caleb S. Newman 12/07
"Kentucky Rides With Respect & Honor" |
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Pete Fister
Posts: 1
St. Joseph, MI
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| 10 Sep 2008 12:57 PM |
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| On behalf of myself and my family I would like to say Thank You to PFC Bryan R. Thomas for his ultimate sacrifice to our country which allows our freedom. Our condolences also go out to his family and friends. My he forever Rest In Peace and he shall Never Be Forgoten.
I will look forward to honoring him at this Fridays Battle Creek Lakeview Vs. Stevensville Lakeshore football game in Battle Creek.
I will also say a special prayer for him at our communities annual "Ride To Remember Our Fallen Heroes" motorcycle ride in Berrien County this Sunday.
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Lt. Peter W. Fister
St. Joseph City Fire Dept.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
IAFF L-1670 |
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sdoise
Posts: 4551
Kinder, La.
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| 10 Sep 2008 2:01 PM |
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I convey my heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Pfc. Bryan R. Thomas and my sincere appreciation of his military service and ultimate sacrifice to preserve our way of life. May he rest in peace.
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Schelly
Ride Captain for Lake Charles, La. and surrounding area
American Legion Post 318, Elton, La.
DEFINITION OF A VETERAN
A Veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life."
Author Unknown |
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rednecklewiston
Posts: 14
Lewiston, MI
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| 10 Sep 2008 3:24 PM |
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| My sorrow for the family and friends, but know in your heart you have been blessed to know this man, young though he was. I wish I could make this hurt less. I feel so sad for your loss. May God watch over you and help you through this. Nancy, proud Mom of SPC Robert, MIARNG, OIF III Veteran and PVT Chad, U.S. Army |
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Nancy, Mom of SPC Robert, MIARNG, OIF III Vet, and PVT Chad, U.S. Army |
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Danes02
Posts: 184
Midland, Michigan
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| 10 Sep 2008 7:15 PM |
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PFC Bryan Thomas,
Thank you sir for your service and sacrifice to this great nation. You and yours will be in our thoughts and prayers. You will always be consider our American Hero. Rest in peace soldier. |
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In SUPPORT of the 1/24th MARINES, bravo company 
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GunnFixr
Posts: 6
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| 11 Sep 2008 7:18 AM |
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Bryan was one of my closest and dearest friends. We were classmates @ Kellogg Community College. We spoke at length prior to his enlistment about service. To be honest, I tried to steer him away from it...until he finished college.
I myself served in Iraq in 2003. I took him to the range a few times before his departure...I had to make sure at least one soldier could shoot like a Marine ;)
I can't believe he is gone. Bryan is one of those characters that you simply don't forget. An old soul. I can't thank the PGR for picking up the torch in this manner. His mother will be touched. |
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reelmccoy
Posts: 63
Lansing, Michigan
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| 11 Sep 2008 8:01 AM |
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Thank you,
PFC. Bryan R. Thomas
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bryan, his family and friends. May God help comfort you as He holds your son in his loving arms. He has made a great sacrifice for us all so we can go on about our every day living here in the land of the free, we call home. My heart aches just as it did when we lost our son (Greg) on 11-09-06. Although I never met Bryan, I am proud to call him son.
Thank you and God Bless you Bryan.
The family of SSG Gregory William Guy McCoy 410th MP Co. KIA 11-09-06 Baghdad, Iraq
Tim and Chris
NEVER FORGET those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who have fought, and those who continue to fight for OUR FREEDOM.
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redds2
Posts: 229
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| 11 Sep 2008 11:20 AM |
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SEMPER FIMY BROTHE REST EASY YOU HAVE STOOD YOUR LAST FIRE WATCH THANKYOU FOR KEEPING ME AND MINE SAFE
PROUDMEMBER OF THE BROTHERS OF FLIGHT 93''
PROUD MEMBER OF THE PATRIOTGUARD RIDERS OFPA006
MARINE 9164==1968 A==1==9 AND STILLWALKING
REDDS2PHILLY PA AN AMERICAN TILL I DIE |
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Jer's
Posts: 117
White Lake, Mi.
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| 11 Sep 2008 9:13 PM |
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| Sincere condolences to the family and friends of PFC Bryan Thomas. May the Lord grant this family the peace and strength to deal with the days ahead. |
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Jer's
US Navy Veteran
USS Daniel A. Joy DE 585
Pax River NATC
USS Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA 42
1960-1966
Life Member VFW Post 4156
Vice President Oakland County Veterans Group |
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Mickster
Posts: 3
Muskegon, MI (Kalamazoo/Parchment)
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| 12 Sep 2008 2:47 PM |
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| For our brother BRYAN THOMAS, his family and close friends ... our profound sympathy. His unconditional sacrifice is one only shared & understood by fellow COMBAT VETS. A true patriot in the highest form. God Bless you Bryan. You'll see us Bryan in the line of other veteran motorcycle folks riding in your honor LOUD AND PROUD come September 15. Shalom. |
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Mick |
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Sandy9999
Posts: 476
Westminster, MD
Ride Captain
Forum Moderator
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| 12 Sep 2008 2:56 PM |
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| Itinerary Updated |
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Sandy Hohne, Carroll County, Maryland Ride Captain and Forum Moderator
TOU Enforcement Agent
ASA"Brat" - (Army Security Agency)
In God they trusted, all others they monitored... |
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GunnFixr
Posts: 6
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| 12 Sep 2008 3:17 PM |
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I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who rode with Bryan from the ANG base to Shaw Funeral Home this morning.
I am reviewing the photos now, and provided I have his mother's permission, I will share them here.
I am surprised I was able to get the photos I have. It isn't easy to compose an image through tear shrouded vision.
Thank You, Gentlemen. Thank You.
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Mertlock69
Posts: 5
Millington, MI
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| 12 Sep 2008 8:08 PM |
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The pain of losing a child never ends it only dulls with time, the loss of Pfc. Bryan R. Thomas is even more
painful as he was such a strong and loved person and all those who cared for him know they have
lost the most, but he gave his life for all of us, and to that end their is no greater gift he could give us.
Thank you son for being an American, and a Hero. May God bring your family and friends some peace of mind
knowing your now at rest in his hands.
Mertlock69
Proud Father of two serving. |
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Never forget to tell those you love
that you love them ! |
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Calling Fox
Posts: 870
Emerson, IA
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| 12 Sep 2008 8:42 PM |
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As I get ready to write to you, the words fall away as almost meaningless because of the pain I know you feel. I know, because I have felt that pain.
Know that you are NOT alone on this difficult path. Others are there to help you: reach out and embrace them, for they are offering not only themselves, but sharing with you that little bit of the Almighty that resides in all of us. This offering/sharing is what WILL give you the strength you will need to get thru. Trust me.
Any service related death, on or off duty, whether accident or illness, wounds received or KIA, warrant the Gold Star for the family. Don't let anyone tell you different.
I offer you my services, such as they are. If you want to talk, feel free to get in touch with me thru the PGR messaging. I WILL return your call/message. ANYTIME!
In the meantime know that my wife's and my prayers are with you.
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Jim Kearney Jr
Gold Star Dad
TSGT USAF/ANG (Ret) Vietnam Era
Western Iowa Chapter ALR
"You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." Winston Churchill.
"Nothing is more devisive than the hyphen." John Wayne |
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Mickster
Posts: 3
Muskegon, MI (Kalamazoo/Parchment)
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| 14 Sep 2008 10:26 AM |
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FYI FYI FYI FYI FYI only and not meant to represent anything 'final' from anyone "official" from PGR!
This is for informational purposes only only: - Funeral Home's website indicates serve to be at 1300hrs at St.Joseph Catholic Church, 61 23rd Street N., Battle Creek, MI Both the funeral home & Church are relatively close to one another, as is the National Cemetary, Fort Custer, MI.
This is not meant to 'officially' inform anyone of anything, but rather, info that anyone could gain from Googlin' the funeral home's name.
Anxiously awaiting more PGR details, due to weather preparations that may be necessary. :-) |
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Mick |
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Susan Sturgis
Posts: 4888
Bear, DE
In Memory of Ed "Old Iron" Barrett
FORUM MODERATOR
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| 14 Sep 2008 3:32 PM |
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BootLady
#34204
TOU Enforcement Agent
"In God We Still Trust" Diamond Rio - Diamond Rio's Greatest Hits II
"You may die with nothing, but if you have brought a rainbow into somebody else's life, your mission is complete." |
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HGPreacherman
Posts: 558
West Branch, MI
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| 14 Sep 2008 4:02 PM |
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The first post has been updated.
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There is no telling what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.
Sam Cottle
MI State Captain
www.pgrmichigan.org
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fueler
Posts: 854
St. Louis, Mo
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| 14 Sep 2008 4:13 PM |
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PFC Thomas,
Thank you for your service to this Great Nation. Your mission is thur now. Rest in Peace.
May God be with the family and freinds during this time. |
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US Army 1970-1972
Senior Ride Captian
St. Louis, Mo. |
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HDriderDave1
Posts: 4803
N. AL Ride Capt. Madison, AL
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| 14 Sep 2008 4:45 PM |
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God Bless PFC. Bryan R. Thomas, family and friends. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. Thank you for your service and sacrifice great warrior. I pray the lord takes you into his Kingdom and may you rest in peace. You will not be forgotten "A True American Hero"! I Salute You Sir! I will be standing there in Spirit with my fellow brothers.
Dave |
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Lord Jesus help me as I mourn, comfort me with the knowledge of your love which is stronger than death. Enable me to trust you for the future of my love ones and myself. Help me to cast all of my care on you, knowing that the grave holds no power over those who trust in you. Amen. |
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Dane
Posts: 44
Bowling Green, Ohio
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| 14 Sep 2008 7:42 PM |
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My heart goes out ot the family of PFC. Bryan R. Thomas. May you be comforted in this troubled and painful time by the warmth of memories and the knowledge that Bryan is in the house the Lord has built for him.
Thank you PFC. Thomas, for your bravery and service to this Nation.
You are a hero to all you have touched and many that you have never known.
Rest now in the arms of our Lord and let the PGR stand honorably for you and your family.
Standing by in Bowling Green
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Dane Williams dane@woh.rr.com
Riding in Honor for all of Americas hero's, the Men and Women of the United States
Military who give us the greatest gift of all, Freedom. May God Bless you.
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Sgt. at Arms / Ride Coordinator - American Legion Riders, Point Place, OH |
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mattsmom
Posts: 1429
Westminster, Maryland
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| 14 Sep 2008 9:09 PM |
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| Pfc Thomas, you are so truly appreciated. I know you have been welcomed as a hero at heaven's gates by all our fallen warriors who have gone before you. Rest easy now, Bryan, and know that you will never be forgotten here. |
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Thank you for your service and sacrifice in defending and protecting our freedoms. As a nation we mourn your loss, and we will remember you always as a true American hero. To the family, I offer my prayers and support. I understand a little of what you are going through-my son, a Marine LCpl, was killed in Iraq. I pray wonderful memories of your dear warrior help eventually to ease the pain you endure today. Your hero will never be forgotten-he leaves a legacy of honor and courage that few will ever achieve. God bless you. Julie Francis, Matt's Mom |
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RDWinters
Posts: 836
Wilson,NC
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| 15 Sep 2008 8:47 AM |
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| Our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of PFC Bryan R. Thomas. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May God bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. Thank you PFC Thomas for your courage, dedication and sacrifices. Thank you for standing guard for our freedoms and those of others around the world. May God keep you in his loving arms. God Bless You. Rest easy Brother. |
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"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
De Oppresso Liber
R.D. and Kay Winters
U.S. Army (Ret) 1978-1998
Special Forces Assn Decade
American Legion
VFW
PGR
Blue Knights NC IX
www.myspace.com/kaynrick_hd
In Memory of:
L/Cpl Ronald Wayne Shields, P-39E/L-21, SVN, 13 Feb 68 (Uncle)
SFC Jonathan Tessar, Iraqi Freedom, 31 Oct 05 (Teammate, Friend, Brother)
James Kenneth Sinclair, Veteran, Motorcycle Accident, 16 Apr 04 (Kay's Dad)
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Pres. Theodore Roosevelt
Paris, France
23 Apr 1910 |
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