... a country was facing invasion. Literal invasion, enemy troops crossing the borders into their territory. Their situation was desperate; they were vastly outnumbered. Their strongest ally had been defeated easily. Some of the citizens felt hopeless, and were prepared to surrender. What have them heart was a famous speech made on this day by their new leader. Who was the speaker?

Winston Churchill Click for reference

I say to the House as I said to ministers who have joined this government, I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering.

You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea, and air. War with all our might and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy.

You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs - Victory in spite of all terrors - Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.

Let that be realized. No survival for the British Empire, no survival for all that the British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge, the impulse of the ages, that mankind shall move forward toward his goal.

Good one, Dwight. What a magnificent speech! So simple and strong. I guess that's what comes to the forefront when you're up against the real thing: the threat of invasion in your home territory.

Contrast those words with the words other politicians have used to justify far-off 'adventures', invading other nations, where the motive is not survival, but greed.

Aside: Churchill used the passive voice with wonderful effect. Yet writing coaches say it's weak! Humph!