A CALL to ACTION!
Molon Labe’
Approximately 2500 years ago, three hundred Spartans fought to the last man defending Greece. Depending on which historian you believe, King Xerxes of Persia had and army of anywhere between 60 thousand to as many as one million men, at his command yet for three days the Spartans held them at bay, killing thousands. Sparta, one of several Greek city states was a society of warriors. It is written that a Spartan soldier would be killed by his own mother if he were to return from battle without his shield. Why, because it was impossible to run away from the enemy with a Greek shield. So only someone who had fought valiantly could return. Harsh, yes but I do admire them so. The quality of life, that so many Americans treasure today, often makes me ashamed. As long as they have a cold beer and a entertaining game to watch on TV they are content. They seem to revel in their ignorance. “Bread and circus”, that is what the Romans called a day at the Coliseum. The emperors used to pass out tons of bread to the spectators to keep them happy. The circus was more varied with reenactments of famous battles to the execution of prisoners and of course the fighting to the death of the Gladiators.
What meaning does life have if there is no sacrifice, no underlying principles which dictate ones actions? If anything goes, then things truly have little value. I fully realize the pressures and demands that life places upon us. Family, church and career require a great deal of time and commitment. Yet, I know of a few men who manage all this and more while finding the time make a positive difference in someone else’s life. To make a stand or make some sacrifice because that is what the situation requires, that is to be worthy of the title “citizen.”
Because Greece was composed of a number of city-states there was not a large standing army. The Spartans had to slow Xerxes and his minions to give the rest of Greece time to organize. A strategic pass had to be held so the others could prepare for the coming battles. The name of this pass in Greece is called Thermopylae. This natural funnel severely restricted the movements of the Persians allowing the Spartans to use their superior fighting skills and weapons to a great advantage. Initially it is estimated that the Greeks had an army of about 7-8 thousand. They fought the Persians to a standstill for three days. Unfortunately a Greek traitor told Xerxes of another pass that would allow his army to attack the Greeks from the rear, negating their superior position. Leonidas the king of Sparta when he realized what had happened, ordered the majority of his army to retreat but his famous three hundred fought to the last man, assuring the escape of the rest.
Xerxes called out to the three hundred to throw down their arms and surrender. King Leonidas reply was two words. Molon Labe’ (Mo-lone La-bay). This translates to come and take them!
Peace |