" In Greece, at the pass of Thermopylae, there stands a pillar inscribed with ancient Greek characters commemorating the bravery of a small band of men. This almost forgotten act of courage echoes down through the centuries, but how many know that it directly affects our civilization today? But, it is true . Without the steadfast determination of King Leonidas and his three hundred Spartan warriors , Western Civilization itself would likely be very different if it existed at all.
After repelling numerous Persian attacks, the Persian King Xerxes sent a herald to meet with Leonidas in no-man's land.
The Persian emissary spoke first, saying "Put down your weapons and surrender."
Leonidas replied, "Molon Labe. Come and take them."
Persian said, "If we come, our arrows will blot out the sun."
Leonidas replied, "Good. Then we will fight in the shade."
Leonidas and his three hundred Spartan heroes were slaughtered by ten thousand Persians at the pass , but their courageous last stand, held up the Persian invasion sufficiently for the Greek Army to regroup and repel their blood thirsty invaders .
Incidentally, Leonidas famous saying, MOLON LABE, come and take them, has come down to us through the mists of time to inspire patriots in all ages. At the battle of Bunker Hill the British told our revolutionary forefathers to lay down your arms and surrender. Their response: Come and take them! It was also a phrase used in the fight for Texas independence when the Mexicans tried to get the Texicans to surrender their cannon. Their response: Come and take it! "
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You Leonidas, King of Sparta
commanded the greatest rearguard action of all time
your valiant three hundred Spartan warriors
kept ten thousand invading Persians at bay
in the narrow pass of Thermopylae
and saved Athens and Greece from the invading hordes
as long as tales and legends are told in human history
we will long remember your heroic efforts
brave defenders of the homeland
against the marauding dervishes of King Xerxes
we are indebted to your valour and sacrifice
as you and your band of brothers layed down their lives
for the sake of freedom and humanity
courage unsurpassed, and bravery unrivalled
you never flinched in the face of the enemy
and all civilisation owes your men a debt of honour
your wives wept, and your children were left fatherless
and the wild wind blows, down that lonely pass
where the red speckled poppies, grow on the barren soil
but your memory burns in our grateful hearts
Copyright by Peter Paton 2006
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