"Victory" was the password and "Or Death" was the response

Before Washington's crossing of the Delaware River at the Battle of Trenton in 1776, "Victory" was the password and "Or Death" was the response.

These are times that try men's souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. - Thomas Paine Common Sense

On Christmas Day 1776 the troops assembled at the ferry landing and were given the password for the day, "Victory or Death". All of the men were gathered at the point of embarkment by 3:00 p.m. and the loading of the boats began at nightfall. Washington and a party of Virginia troops crossed over first to secure a landing site. The original plan called for the entire army to be disembarked on the New Jersey side of the Delaware by midnight, but it was not until 3:00 a.m. on December 26 that the army completed the crossing and it took another hour to get the troops organized for an attack. A hail and sleet storm had broken out early in the crossing, winds were strong and the river was full of ice floes. The treacherous weather conditions stopped General Ewing from even attempting his crossing. Colonel Cadwalader crossed a significant portion of his men to New Jersey, but when he found that he could not get his artillery across the river he recalled his men from New Jersey. When he received word about Washington's victory, he crossed his men over again but retreated when he found out that Washington had not stayed in New Jersey.
At 4:00 am, they began to march towards Trenton. Along the way, several civilians joined as volunteers, and led as guides because of their knowledge of the terrain. After marching 1.5 miles (2 km) through windy roads into the wind, they reached Bear Tavern where they turned right. The ground was slippery, but it was level, making it easier for the horses and artillery and they made better time. Many of the troops did not have boots, so they were forced to wear rags around their feet. Some of the men's feet bled, turning the snow to a dark red. Two men died on the trip.
Taken from a Speech by Newt Gingrich 2009 GOP Conference

Today, where do we find those Americans who are willing to walk barefoot in the snow 9 miles to defeat an enemy?
You find them at Walter Reed.
You find them in the Military Academies.
You will find them in the military.
You will find them in the families of previous soldiers.
You will find them in the Tea Party Movement.
You will find them in the Churches, with a heart rooted deep in faith in God.
You find them anywhere their love of God, Love of Country is greater than any duty to Man.
In President Obama's speech to the West Point cadets and the nation describing "his" new plan on Afghanistan. There was nothing about Victory, but he knew when he was leaving. There was some reflecting on the past and a lot of "I's."

"I owed the American people -- and our troops -- no less. This review is now complete. And as Commander-in-Chief, I have determined that it is in our vital national interest to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. After 18 months, our troops will begin to come home." President Obama

Can you Imagine this is "unprecedented" He predicted the end is in 18 months. First time in History a Commander in Chief predicted the end before "he" engaged.

When George Washington led the troops in the battle of Trenton. Washington had only one thing in mind "Victory." The Battle of Trenton was in 1776, The Revolutionary War was from 1775-1783.

Can you imagine President Obama leading troops into battle like George Washington did; sword, musket pistol, musket rifle, ammunition, powder, know how to load it?, ride a horse, lead the charge with his troops?
I can't? If you can't imagine him doing that, then the American People need to ask themselves a question, Why?
Some people will criticize my point: times are different now, different war, different culture, different jobs. Are they?


Michael Mack An American