[May 25, 2021] Sitting in a walnut case, above my desk where I write every day, is my Army officer’s sword.1 Like so many who earned the right to own one, I would never dream of selling or giving it up. As we have seen so often, military traditions are strong with symbolism and emotions. One of those traditions is don’t surrender. If you do, you are disgraced.
“Take the … sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – The Bible, Ephesians, 6:17
In days of the past, giving up your sword was symbolic of being placed under arrest or surrendering to a victorious opponent. Furthermore, the sword would be broken by the victor as a way to symbolize the deprivation of defeat in battle.
The header to today’s article shows British General Burgoyne surrendering his sword to American General Horatio Gates in 1777, ending the Battles of Saratoga. These battles were the turning point in the American Revolution, and why I’ve highlighted them here.
We are often too quick to “surrender our swords” when engaged in the field of ideas. We give up for various reasons, most often because we believe there is little to gain from any fight. Modern man sees himself as small and ineffective, too small to make a difference, or too timid to stand up and be seen.
Some men are rocks in the stream. Water flows past the rock without affecting it in its place. Strong leaders are like the rock and refuse to allow themselves to be swept away by trivialities of the day. Strong men and women may fear the unknown, but they will not run away like the cowards in the old days of battle. For those who are willing to stand, we have great affection.
The hero is that person who, with little to afford to power, slays the dragon and captures the gold or princess as well. We read about the sword-wielding dragon slayer of legend from the Ancient world even before the Archangel Michael or St. George.
Our ancient ancestors had a bit of an obsession with fire-breathing dragons. However, it was in classical Greece that the story elements of the Dragon being slain by a hero with a sword. Apollo, Cadmus, Perseus, and Heracles were just a few that tipped our interests in the grand meta-stories for hundreds of years.
Thus, the fascination with swords and the philosophy to never surrender your sword. “Fight to the death” was a common refrain among military foot soldiers and sailors of old. To run from a fight was more than cowardice; it was an affront to your brethren, shame to your family, and an unspeakable dishonor to your state.
Don’t surrender your sword.
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- Technically, this ”sword” is a Model 1902 Army Officer’s Saber used by United States Army officers. The saber today is mainly for ceremonial purposes. You can read more about the sword on U.S. Militaria Forum at: https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/4168-1902-army-officer-swords/
“Don’t surrender your sword.” I just love it.
Looks like we have a new mini-series going on with Gen. Satterfield. Of course, I don’t expect him to say so but I can see it. He is using symbology to help drive home several important points and using a storyline to help us remember it. Great job here Gen. Satterfield. Keep up the great work on your website.
“To run from a fight was more than cowardice; it was an affront to your brethren, shame to your family, and an unspeakable dishonor to your state.” I think it is more. It also means survival of your tribe/state/nation. AND that is sooo important, we cannot overemphasize it.
Excellent point Don. Never ever ever give up. Oh, someone else already said that………..
Winston Churchill, of course. I know we all know that but I just had to be the one who wrote it first. 😊
Great comment section. I’m glad to be here. I am going to remind everyone that Monday is Memorial Day. Please spend time with your families. Also, please thank a veteran. Attend a Memorial Day ceremony, a parade, a cook out, etc. Make the day a great day for everyone by being there and being pleasant and happy.
One of the great quotes from the Bible.
Ephesians, 6:17
A book of the Bible that is often not read.
“The hero is that person who, with little to afford to power, slays the dragon and captures the gold or princess as well. We read about the sword-wielding dragon slayer of legend from the Ancient world even before the Archangel Michael or St. George.” I didn’t know this story when back …. perhaps even before recorded history.
Yes, good point JT. And this is one of the main reasons I keep reading this leadership blog.
Don’t we all? Ha, love this website.
Good job on this article, Gen. S. You have the beginning of a great series. I don’t know if you are doing this on purpose or not, but I can see it well. First, you have the ‘don’t move the foxhole’ – just the beginning. Maybe you could do one on the helmet. Seems like you are working toward this idea already. Tools such as swords, helmets, etc, and what we do or not, like the foxhole, are great symbolism. Keep going. Use helmet next. Just my thinking here to help.
Swords symbolize many things and the main thing they symbolize is FREEDOM. Yes, freedom.
Wow, wish I had one of those army swords! That would be really cool.
You can buy one online at many shops. But it will cost you a few hundred dollars. And, these are the “official” ones. I say official in quotes because the US military no longer issues swords any more. They are all individually and privately purchased.
More symbolism than anything else. But they are pretty neat.
You can get the best quality here:
https://www.marlowwhite.com/swords
Excellent article. I love it. Thank you General Satterfield for sharing this bit of advice. Another way to say it is “never give up!” 😊
This article by Gen. Satterfield, plays off the hero meta-story. I find that these stories are common and help us explain our existence, help us know who we are, and help us “see” behaviors that are good and honest.
Good point, Steve. Hey, thanks. As a kid, I always wanted to be a knight in shining armor. I joined the military, perhaps, to help that thinking become reality.
Very common but very good at the same time. The old ways should never be denigrated without thought.
The new woketeriate however will criticize it because they are “superior” …. at least in their own deluded mind.
Thanks Steve. Well said and great point. We should be more intuned with meta stories.