Si vis pacem, para bellum

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They took away our causes; they said they were unjust.
They packed away our flag; they said it’s not to trust.

They mothballed our regiment; its name no longer rings
Of glory or of valour or of those un-PC things.

They locked away our colour in a box they’d rather toss
But they can’t erase the honour of the men who bore the loss.

They’re better than you’ll ever be – the ones who’d stand and fight;
And face the guns and steel and smoke for nothing but the right

To say and think whate’r they might; to follow their own creed;
For everyone, no matter what their faith, or hue, or breed.

To stand, defy whatever foe and take it on the chin;
To hold, and fight, and bleed, and die. But never to give in!

And now that those loyal Men at Arms have fought the worthy fight,
And you and yours can live in peace to exercise your right,

Forsake now not those men who bled, closed ranks for you and me.
No matter what they look like now; wherever they might be.

Ne’er forget your voice so free, this pen that I now wield:
Their fetters once were cast awry by a soldier’s sword and shield. 
– AMB

 * Si vis pacem, para bellum (If you wish for peace, prepare for war)


 - Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus






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