Relevance?

None really. I just thought like mentioning it and perhaps having a quiet moment to reflect on all the troops around the word who are giving so much in the cause of freedom.

I was going to discuss whether a galactic or military leader in the GFFA would have made such rousing speeches dedicated to the lives lost in conflict, but who are the candidates?

Palpatine?
Mon Mothma?
Jan Dodonna?
Garm Bel Iblis?
Bail Organa?

All of the above?

None of them are Churchill, or Patton, or Stormin Norman! But I suppose one or two speeches have occurred along the way. I remember Wedge making dedications to fallen Rogue Squadron pilots in the comics. Then there was an Imperial officer, again in the Rogue Squadron comics, who praised Baron Fel's pilots and gave them all medals.

I guess Mon Mothma's "many Bothans" comment could have been expanded more.

But what about pre-battle speeches? Movies nowadays always seem to have a leader marching or riding up and down his troops prior to battle.

For example;

Braveheart, Gladiator, Alexander, King Arthur, Troy (I love Achilles' "Immortality, take it. It's yours!" line) and Return of the King. All have had speeches intended to raise the spirits and morale of the soldiers, usually on horseback, less Achilles.

So have we seen any inspiring speeches in Star Wars? None spring to mind. I guess Leia's to the pilots just prior to the battle of Hoth was more of a briefing than a speech, ditto Dodonna's @ Battle of Yavin, ditto Ackbar's @ battle of Endor.

I suppose Chief Chirpa made one to the Ewoks, but that must be on the cutting room floor!

I guess we need horses in Star Wars, huh?

Captain Tarpals never thought to boost his troops morale whilst atop his mount.

You just can't get the staff these days.

I would have liked to have seen Yoda address the Wookiees in Episode 3: "Defeat the Separatists we must, for your wives and children, for your home and for the Republic. Fight with courage, fight with honour. Be back in time for tea and medals we will."

Sorry for my Blackadder moment there.

Well anyway, enough blabbing. Thats enough digress for one day. I just wanted to spare a thought for others, and today's date seemed appropriate.