For the first time, veterans of "Churchill's Secret Army" marched in London this year, finally achieving recognition for their commitment many years ago (bound under the Official Secrets Act) to form clandestine underground resistance units that would fight Hitler's army on our home soil.
Bunkers were prepared to hide the resistance fighters beneath the ground and equipped with food and weapons. The conscripts were taught how to kill in silence and how to sabotage. These brave persons, many of them teenagers, knew that they would face torture and certain death if they were caught.
That so many were willing to fight for their country is down in no small part to Churchill himself. Who could ever forget his stirring call to action when this small country faced a mighty invader across a few miles of water in those black days:
"We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if.... this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old."
Fortify yourself with these powerful words today, and go forth into the realm of business boldly and with confidence and courage - we have a great tradition and heritage - lead from the front - I look forward to hearing your story soon!
