American Words

Word of the Day added a few patriotic quotes in the devastating days after September 11, 2001. Originally, they were added as an extemporaneous whim and had any consideration been afforded the issue, it would have been termed a temporary feature to help us all cope with the heartache and shock we were experiencing. However it quickly became Word of the Day’s most popular feature surpassing even the Words themselves. Interestingly, when a list of quotes was mistakenly sent one day in lieu of the WOTD, more feedback was received than any other time in WOTD’s history and 100% of the response was positive.

With the War on Terror continuing for the foreseeable future, the quotes have become a fixture. While the name remains Word of the Day, it is obvious that many recipients look forward to the daily quote even more than the Word.

Here are some of the gems we’ve featured thus far.

Regarding the Liberation of Iraq

It's my job. It's also my duty.--Corporal José Antonio Gutierrez, killed March 22 in Iraq

He's where he belongs right now. I can't be mad at God for wanting a hero up there, too--Erica Rios, widow of Sgt. Duane R. Rios, killed April 4, 2003 in Iraq.

We were happy for the rest of the POWs because we thought they were dead as well--Alma Wallace cousin of Pvt. Ruben Estrella-Soto, a soldier previously listed as MIA whose body was recovered in the rescue of seven POWs.

We just want everyone to know we support the president and the troops, and we believe in what James went over there for.--Janie Kiehl whose son Spc. James M. Kiehl, 22 was killed in Iraq.

My daddy, my hero, I will take care of Mommy for you as you asked. We will be best friends. I will take her to Sea World for my birthday like you planned. I love you. I need you. I miss you.--3 year-old Taylor Pokorney at the funeral service for his father, Marine Corps 1st Lt. Frederick Pokorney, who was killed in action.

You walk in those same righteous footsteps of all those patriots who, before you, fought to preserve liberty for all. --Charlton and Lydia Heston's message to the troops in Iraq.

I'm 49, but I never lived a single day; only now will I start living.--Imam Yusuf Abed Kazim, in Baghdad after the liberation.

"Thank you for liberate us. And thank you for help us. You are a great army." --a note handed by a 7-year old Iraqi girl to an American Marine

Tyranny has lost its grip, and the Iraqi people are liberated--Donald Rumsfeld

Regarding the September 11 attacks

We resolved a year ago to honor every person lost. We owe them remembrance, and we owe them more. We owe them, and their children, and our own, the most enduring monument we can build: A world of liberty and security made possible by the way America leads, and by the way Americans lead our lives.--George W. Bush, September 11, 2002

There's no question that we as a country are much more united, much more willing to express our patriotism and not feel self conscious about it. --Rudy Giuliani

This was not only an attack on America, it was an attack on Islam, the Koran and on every Muslim.-- Shaykh Muhammad Hisham Kabbani, Chairman of the Islamic Supreme Council of America (the only major Muslim organization in America that unequivocally condemns all terrorism)

From every walk of life, from every ethnic, racial background, New Yorkers came together with unbelievable heroism. And you know, the message to the rest of the country is maybe we talk too fast at times, maybe we're a very opinionated people, but when the crisis comes, there are no stronger people, no people more willing to sacrifice and stand together in defense of America and defense of our freedom than New Yorkers.--George Pataki

There was a glittering city, the greatest in the history of man, a place of wild creativity, of getting, grabbing and selling, of bustle and yearning and greed. It was brutally attacked by a band of primitives. The city reeled. We knew what to expect: The selfish, heartless city-dwellers would trample children in their path as they raced for safety, they'd fight for the lifeboats like the wealthy on the Titanic. It didn't happen. It wasn't that way at all. They were better than they knew! They saved each other--they ran to each other's aid, they died comforting strangers.--Peggy Noonan

The men and women who died in the World Trade Center came from nations all over the world, but the rescuers came from the U.S.A.--William Donahue

To those who masterminded this cruel plot, and to those who carried it out...the spirit of this nation will not be defeated by their twisted and diabolical schemes.--Billy Graham

Let's Roll!--Todd Beamer

Historic quotes that seem even more applicable now

The time is near at hand which must determine whether Americans are to be free men or slaves.--George Washington

We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a feather bed.--Thomas Jefferson

Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere. --Abraham Lincoln

Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity. --Herbert Hoover

We, and all others who believe in freedom as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.--Franklin Delano Roosevelt

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived. -George S. Patton

History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.--Dwight Eisenhower

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.--Martin Luther King, Jr.

If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under.--Ronald Reagan

God chooses righteous men and nations to act as the agents of righteousness and blessing. The United States, despite its imperfections, is by far one of the most moral, praiseworthy countries in the world. Perhaps this is why it was Divinely granted the power and means to fight evil and create a better world. --Yaffa Ganz

Quotes from Friends of America

Tell our allies that at the very moment of action, at the very moment they need our determination, that Britain faltered. I will not be party to such a cause!--Tony Blair

I speak on behalf of my entire nation when I say: Today we are all Americans - in grief, as in defiance.--Binyamin Netanyahu September 24, 2001

Danger -- if you meet it promptly and without flinching -- you will reduce the danger by half. Never run away from anything. Never!--Winston Churchill

America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.--Alexis de Tocqueville

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