Enduring Spirit Quotes
The Ottoman Turks had already conquered the Eastern Roman empire outside of Byzantium. They had overwhelming superiority and it was just a matter of time when they would take the city. Surrender would have been the sensible course, but religious passion against surrendering the holy city capital of Christendom to the Muslims was dominant in the Emperor and some of the leadership. But the morale of most was very low—and for good reason. The Ottomans soon captured the city.
The 69th Regiment, the first and original division of the Irish Brigade, has been one of the most decorated and successful American battle units since the Civil War. It was originally formed with Irish Immigrant Volunteers by the authority of the Secretary of War. The Irishmen designed their own regimental battle flag which not only was composed of Irish motifs such as the Harp of Erin, but this was the only text in the red banner but it was in Gaelic. The battle flag could be an Irish Army regimental flag as there is nothing on the flag to identify it with America. Although the flag did not, the brigade did with their blood left on the battlefield of every American war up to today. Ironically, this may be the only national military unit in history who operated with a slogan extolling another country.
