.: We Were Soldiers

LTG Hal Moore

 

• At the deployment ceremony, just before they ship out then LTG Moore is shown giving a speach in which he points to unity as they force that will pull his troops through. The text of this speach is as follows: Look around you.  In the 7th Cavalry we've got a captain from the Ukraine, another from Puerto Rico.  We've got Japanese, Chinese, Blacks, Hispanics, Cherokee Indians, Jews, and Gentiles -- all Americans.  Now, here in the States, some men in this unit may experience discrimination because of race or creed.  But, for you and me now, all that is gone.  We are moving into the "Shadow of Death," where you will watch the back of the man next to you as he will watch yours, and you won't care what color he is, or by what name he calls God.  They say we are leaving home -- we're going to what home was always supposed to be.  So, let us understand the situation.  We are going into battle against a tough and determined enemy.  I can't promise you that I will bring you all home alive, but this I swear, before you and before almighty God, that when we go into battle, I will be the first to set foot on the field, and I will be the last to step off, and I will leave no one behind.  Dead or alive, we will all come home together.  So help me God.