Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Veritas Vincit

Truth Conquers

The Keith motto, the territory was Aberdeenshire. The clan of Keith was a clan of warriors who can trace their roots back to the first century when Rome's legions forced them to flee their homes in Central Europe. They came to Scotland's far north coast via the Netherlands they sought a new life and security for the children. They achieved that and a great deal more. Keith warriors and their military pralis have been called on time and again. Throughout history the sons of the Highland Keiths have fought aggression and sought truth, freedom and liberty. 

DDD was a Marine in the Pacific Theater in WW II and went to battle on the gridiron with undeniable success and yet he never seemed particularly proud of the Keith name or have any inclination to ever speak of our Highland Scotish heritage. Maybe he just never knew, but he never talked much about the war or his football accomplishments either. He was always much more about being in the moment and living the now instead of talking and reliving the past.

Guess that makes him the real deal Highland Warrior. 

I'm reading the most recent Outlander book and the protagonist is a Highlander with exceptional skills of battle and leadership and George Washington has just commissioned him as a General in the Continental Army. This character while recounting advise from his father shared a moment where his dad said you will be tall and so men of lessor stature will always seek to test your metal. Learn to use the gifts God gave you to win justice and offer mercy. 

Not by a long shot was I ever the biggest guy in the room but that didn't matter.

DDD once told me Bigger, Faster, Stronger would be nice, but a will to win, to overcome the odds, a desire to succeed is the measure of a man not his size. The fire in your heart will commitment your mind to victory. 

Winning isn't everything the desire is.

Dunnotar Castle - Stonehaven, Scotland - William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II, all graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell’s army for eight months. By the close of the 14th century, Dunnottar was firmly under Scottish control, under the Clan Keith.