One of the very finest marks is the scar of service.
That grand old ship brought me a lesson to live not to be served, but to serve, so that the world is a little larger, better, stronger place because I have been in it.
2. I thought of the glory of being a defender of one's country. Some people think a patriot is one who shoots firecrackers and sends up rockets, and pitches up his hat and hurrahs for things, and has a glorious time on a public holiday.
But a real patriot is a man who loves his country so much that he does all he can to ward off dangers from her. That was the glorious, wonderful, immortal work of the British Navy, not only for the Empire, but for the world.
She kept the sea paths open; she convoyed troop ships; she sank submarines; she blockaded enemy ports; she joined the allied navies in protecting the world's freedom.
And the old battle-worn vessel spoke to me and said, "What are you doing for your country? Are you defending her from her enemies? Do you know what her enemies are? Or do you care?"
Some poet speaks of,
"The inextinguishable spark which fires
The soul of patriots."
And Shakespeare said:
"I do love
My country's good, with a respect more tender,
More holy and profound than mine own life."