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Tecumseh Poem from Act of Valor (2012)

“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”

~ Chief Tecumseh (Poem from Act of Valor the Movie)

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  • Penny Bacon

    Live your life like each day is a gift! Savor the little blessings. Open your eyes and delight in small tongs in your path. Hug your kids, call your parents. Say please and thank you. Smile—-a lot!

    • http://www.MoveMeQuotes.com Matt Hogan

      Thank you for that Penny, couldn’t agree more.

  • Al Ozment

    Our days on this earth are shorter than we all realize. Be kind to each other, cherish your children. They are our future

  • William Berresford

    I wish I had read this incredible creed years ago. Many struggles would have never had a chance to muddle my life. Perhaps there is a reason it has taken so long.

    • Anonymous

      They’ve made you who you are bro..and the best part is you’ve made it

    • http://www.MoveMeQuotes.com Matt Hogan

      Thank you for that reply Anonymous, I’m also a firm believer that everything happens for a reason… Here’s Marcus Aurelius, “Everything that happens happens as it should, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so.” Hope that helps William.

  • Mark S.

    Pray for Valor. Pray that we might have the courage to be heroes to those around us. Pray for those who protect us and are willing to give the ultimate sacrifice that we might have the opportunity to perfect our lives; there is no greater act of valor.

    • http://twitter.com/cj_lucky cj villamor

      nice!

  • Jeff S.

    So few times in our lives are we exposed to such great words that after reading them or hearing them do we reflect on our own lives. Take these words as they are heard and understood and apply them to each day so we all may be better, live stronger, and search for the best things in life. Thank those who take the risk and sacrifice so much so that we may live free. Thank you.

    • ananymous

      I served in the u.s. military for 8 years.  Ports Security Unit 302,  United States Coast Guard.  How i miss the men and women i served with and the job we did.   I have moved on now and have been blessed with a beautiful wife and two amazing daughters and a great civilian career.   Still, a part of me will always miss serving with those whom i did and the job we were given.   I can never give enough thanks to those who have served and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.  When i see a world war II vet, or Vietnam vet, Korean conflict etc…   I always think of how great of a generation they were and yet there are still heros today as we all know. 
              As far as Tecumseh’s poem,  It is a creed I have tried to live by.  It is easy to forget during the tough days and we must remind ourselves of its promise.  My great, great grandfather was Chief Oghema Niagara.  He is buried in Cleveland, Ohio in the Early Settlers Cemetary on East 9th street.  He was a strong and good man who represented the council of Indians and his story has continually been a great inspiration for my life.   During tough or special times in my life i go and visit his grave and always leave somthing from the natural world at the base of the stone.   His daughter, Princess Mahonee, always left corn (maze) at the site and that is what i usually do as well when visiting.   If any of you are in Cleveland and wish to visit the site his marker is a big half round stone that sits next to Chief Joco-Sot.  Someone my grandfather greately admired and looked up to as well.   The stone sits on the south side of the main path maybe 2/3 up in the cemetary right near the center path.   I promise it will strengthen you as Tecumseh’s poem has….  in life we all need somthing or someone to guide us and provide the foundation so that we may become great men and that others may follow.  Hope one of you takes a visit to the site and it helps provide the strength you need.  If so, please let me know at nearpalmer1@gmail.com.    

  • Lynn Caissie

    I am a senior citizen who remembers movies from the ’40′s and ’50′s that were made to encourage patriotism in the U.S. toward the war effort; in that case, the war was W.W.II . Yesterday, my husband, a front-line vet who served in Korea, and I went to see An Act of Valor. I was moved beyond words and the effect will last, I suspect, for a long while to come. In this time of people concerned only with themselves: what they want, what they can get for free, I feel great concern for the future. How I wish all native Americans and immigrants would see this film. Thank you for the insight.

    • Stephen

      Native Americans lived their lives with honor and fought bravely against their oppressors, often outnumbered and outgunned. Noble and stewards of the land, they were “Green” before it became a catch word.
      Those that look down on them are part of the problem.
      The poem read at the end of the movie were words of a great leader of the Shawnee people named Tecumseh.
      The colonist and new Americans unjustly cheated these people out of their land and subjugated them. Don’t get me wrong those of the WWI and WWII era were heroes also but never forget those who came before and fought bravely for their way of life and land that they loved.

    • Anonymous

      Laugh my fucking ass off, someone failed to read the poem

  • http://www.mountaineagleproductions.com David Ressl

    Tecumseh was a mighty warrior, wise and caring of his people, which I tell you in my documentry “Crazy Horse Country”, some five years ago. So many think that these words are some great revilation now, when we’ve been living our lives by them always. Want to see real life, come to “Thunder Valley” sweat with us, pray with us,
    and support those that sundance each year, this will be my 11th time, and I can tell you for a fact, always say thank you for what you receive, no matter how small or how great, always treat others as you’d like to be treated, and live as an example to others, tell someone you love them, do something for someone else without asking for anything in return, be proud of who you are, don’t let ego rule you, teach respect, honor, truth, generosity.

    • Andrew Camacho

      Great words Mr Ressl, Thank you!!
      Andrew, Stillwater, OK

    • David

       Dear David. Honour knows no age and only honourable hearts know “it”.

      • Pete Hoffman

        That’s a huge statement!

    • Pete Hoffman

      Wisdom has been on the planet for quite a whiel.
      you may see me at Thunder Valley”.

    • Andrew

      Where is Thunder Valley? I have not been to a sweat in a very long time.

    • Pinkey

      Most military members do! Well said, Well said!

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  • George

    All the above comments could not have been said better….

  • gennaro

    A senior (70), I wept when I saw Act of Valorous. Question: am I just adepressed “wimpy” old man? I salute, greet with a smile to clerks, strangers, workers of all stripes, am I just a silly old DUDE? I want to “immobilize” those who harm innocent babies, children, seniors, handicapped and so on, am I a hateful radical? The hour is late for me folks and that’s OK with me cause that’s the way it goes afterall. Whatever has gone well or badly for me, I accept, there really isn’t much choice. Go forth young soldiers, my tears willnot be in vain, the tears are to nourish the lives of your loved ones and those of us that continue on in life with courage and determination to make life, not just bearable, but productive and fulfilling. Like Tiny Tim said: …GOD BLESS US ONE AND ALL.

    • Julian Martinez

      As a newly enlisted sailer I would like too thank you for your words of strength and support… my you know gods peace for the rest of your days and may those days be plenty.

    • Julian Martinez

      As a newly enlisted sailer I would like too thank you for your words of strength and support… my you know gods peace for the rest of your days and may those days be plenty.

      Peace be with you all the rest of your days

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000449412679 Vicky Meekins

      & God Bless you sir!

    • Margaret

      wow – you are a delight

      Thank you for sharing

      Margaret

      Australia

  • Anonymous

    What exactly does this mean

  • NEIL CURCIO

    This is going to be the way I live my life, I need to let go of my hate

    • Dan Cal

      Me too man. Just joined the army and I need to finally let go of all the hate I have inside from my ex cheating on me with my ex best friend

      • Lilie503

         Not trying to be intrusive, and you can only take in the words that truly fit you, what I have to say may not.  Here goes:  Been through a similar thing.  I found my way to let go, I realized this is who the person is.  That’s the character.  It wasn’t about me, it was about this person’s choices.  Sometimes, people hurt us through their choices.  Either they are uncaring, weak, undisciplined, it can be many things that guide their behavior.  You can do nothing about that.  But, you can be the very best person you can be for you, for your family, and your true friends.  When you apply these principles to your life and let go of what you can’t do anything about, you will draw to you the love and companionship you need.  Thank you for indulging my opinion.  Best to you.  Lilie

      • danyoscar

        I’m sorry that happened. It’s good that you are letting that go i had hate like that to, but my ex passed away i’m happy for you.

      • http://twitter.com/cj_lucky cj villamor

        wow…..for those hate towards your ex-gf and ex best friend….i cant imagine how you accept and let it go…..

    • Petehoffman

      Oh yes, I especially relate to ” live your life, perfect your life, beautify your life all things in your life”
      when I focus on these things I will have the ability to hate.

  • http://www.oxrun.com Dan O

    In case anyone is interested, I have found some wonderful prints of this poem..

    They are amazing..

    http://www.waynemoran.com/blog2/2012/03/09/prints-tecumseh-poem-from-act-of-valor-movie/

  • https://www.facebook.com/#!/victoria.macias Victoria Macias-Davila

    In a world full of so much turmoil, its easy to forget that there are also exceptional people out there doing extraordinary things for us all, my thoughts, prayers and appreciation go out to all those who attempt and do make a difference for our everyday and our childrens futures, but most importantly to those guardians of freedom against forces of terror and tyranny, GOD BLESS.

    …Victoria Macias-Davila

  • Choxsteyn

    awesome!

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  • Gabe

    just for today, anger not…
    just for today, worry not…
    just for today, honor and respect, be humble, be grateful…
    just for today, work to improve…
    just for today, be kind to all…

  • Tex

    Interesting. but isnt it more like a paragraph?

  • Mortythepee

    Chief Tecumseh was a great warrior. I wish so much his words could carry with all our people in service and thier families. I work in an airport and take every chance i can to say thank you to every soldier or recognizable vetern. If they knew these words also many lives would change and live on forever. I read these words for the first time when i was in grade school some 40 plus years ago. They have stayed with me since. When the movie ended with them i was again moved but my last thought was, “its about time”.

  • Angelsbesideyou

    Love this!!!! It is amazing. Can’t wait to watch the film

  • Omar

    lovely poem, really touching. I have to say though that it’s sad that people learn of these values after watching a movie while they have been preached to us since time immemorial by religion. no disrespect to the men and women of the army but should it not be more inspiring to us the lives of the people who died preaching the same message.

    • lovemyAirman

      Whatever it takes buddy, as long as the message gets out their. Different things click with different people. I am happy to hear you were raised to have faith but consider how many people were not. Something to be thankful for not taken for granted.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Brady/100002543625191 Mike Brady

    i just saw the movie , and though the poem is spoken at the end , it’s not exactly word for word what is above. In the movie they appear to cut out the middle two paragraphs. maybe for time sake.

  • ryu

    The movie was good. You guys are a bunch of queers

  • Gkarnisovas

    God bless the men and women that protect this country. This is a beautifully simplistic recipe for life. I hope to live by theses principles and teach my children to do the same. 

  • Bourne_william

    I read this many years ago and was surprised, yet not, to hear it in the movie. I have lived my life by these words for over 40 years and daily through 21 years as a Marine.

    • Petehoffman

      You are obviously a wise man.

    • LibertyDiva

      A wise man indeed.  Thank you for your service.  As an Army brat/former Navy wife, I am forever in your debt.

    • marko

      i salute you and the rest…..real hero in the real world..

    • chile

      WOW, its my first time!
      Would love to hear your stories

    • kwagsofforesthill

      marine i know its early i am going to say this any way happy birthday

    • Ben

      Thank you!

  • Mightymo21

    I must say, we live to protect the ones we love . And as an United States Marine, I must salut you. Siemper Fi and Anchors Away and live on the wind.

  • Cody L.

    So I am joining the Military and this poem gets to me every time i read it. I need to start living this way there isn’t enough time in life for hate, anger, and wishing that you lived your life differently.

  • Arishau

    I am inspired to do these behaviors said here.  I will pursue them and make sure I keep them to the heart.  I don’t have the role model to follow and live a noble life.  Thank you.  

    • Pete Hoffman

      Keep strong, keep precious feelings close to the heart and renew as often as possible.  We all struggle to remain on the right path.  I have led in many directions, there are distractions.  The directions to remaining vigilent are in the poem.

    • Bodhi935

      Arishau, you have the desire to be the best person you can be.  Sometimes, that’s the only role model any of us has.  And, now, when you follow truth, live with courage, you’ll give someone a role model,

  • ken

     I watched the movie, the acting was so-so, but the message was strong. I was in the Canadian Navy for 10 years, I have worked with seal teams, and JTF2 previously in a supporting role on SBU/HDU.

    These sailors and operators alike should all be commended for putting themselves in the line of fire. We often sit at home and watch our children play, for at least a second everyday could we just, think about or give thanks to those who go down range for us.

    • Cptjontar

      maybe the Canadian seals could have acted better

      • Mike

        Exactly Cptjontar: Ken the acting should have been the last thing you critiqued. Men die to allow this type of ignorance.

    • Chris

      They weren’t acting in combat but I don’t know what your film standards are but I’m in the film industry that movie was a inspirational, powerful movie.

    • Phil

      The actors were actual Navy Seal, actual heroes.

    • LovemyAirman

      The fact that they are not “acting” is why this is such a powerful movie.

  • E_granito

    Very wise, very true. Will keep close to me as well. I just signed a Marine Corps contract, this will always be in my mind and beliefs. Very wise. Thanks to us and all like us.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/John-C-Weaver/100001275037153 John C Weaver

    hooyah!

  • Armymisfit06

    So many great men have died for our great Country……In my opinion this Poem speaks for our past, and present warriors who have given there lives. I proudly  served for over 22 yrs as a Infantry soldiers and can only say that this was the perfect poem to a great movie……….A17…..out…..

  • ALEXANDER1996US

    I AM VERY PROUD TO HAVE BEEN BORN IN MEXICO.I AM VERY PROUD OF AND THANKFUL TO THE US FOR GIVING ME A HOME AND A CITIZENSHIP HERE. I WOULD PROUDLY DIE FOR THIS COUNTRY THAT IS THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY AND MY KIDS COUNTRY. I REALLY,REALLY ADMIRE AND RESPECT PEOPLE IN THE MILITARY.GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU FOR KEEPING MY COUNTRY SAFE. ONE MORE THING,PLEASE OMAR,STOP SAYING STUPID THINGS AND GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT.

    • Paulino

      I feel sorry for you. And anyone else who would die for a country. How could you tell someone to get their “facts right” after making such a naive statement? Countries? Please. We draw lines on the ground and call everything on one side of that line “our country”. If you know nothing about Tecumseh you should at least know that he fought AGAINST the “Americans” because they wanted to take the lands they lived on and kick them off of them, as opposed to trying to live alongside them. Furthermore he saw no sense in buying or selling land anymore than buying or selling air, ie. the lands of the earth are for all people, not a specific kind or type of people.

      I hope you come to your senses before you posion your kids with such trash.

      Sincerely,

      A U.S. Veteran

      P.S. The above version of the poem is not even completely acurate. It is changed for Hollywood and the “American” consumer. He never said “Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.” What he said was not to touch the “poisonous firewater…” (alcohol for all of you drinkers out there)”…that turn the wise ones into fools and rob them of their visons”. There are some other inconsistencies, but anyone who actually wants to know should research it.

      I wish you all peace, health, and knowledge of yourselves.

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  • Jherring1354

    Good poem! I give all my support to our military and thier families! Much respect! My grandfather was WWII and my father was in Vietnam. I love the Star Spangled Banner and I thank every service member for doing a job that is underappreciated! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

  • New_Beginning

    Today is the first time i have ever heard this poem and it made me sit down and think about how i have been living over these short years i have spent on this earth and some decisions i have made. And i will do my best to live by these words everyday for the rest of my time on this earth so just like what it says in this poem i can stair death in its face and sing my death song and die like a hero going home     

  • Cosmo Pup

    We saw a great movie last night, “Act of Valor”. It ends with an excerpt of this poem by Shawnee Indian Chief Tecumseh. Definitely words to live by, so thought I’d share.

    And thank you to our vets and active duty military, who keep us free

  • Gmgmz

    Saw the movie on the 4th of July…WHEW!

    .. To the Men & Women, who made sacrifices for US (you and me). THANK YOU! You are truly heroes!

  • Drago

    I dedicated 12 years of my life in the Marines. And I saw bad things i do bad things too but all i do was because my people i ask forgivness to all but thats was because my country my people i am so sorry……

  • bigcatch 95

    I can honestly say i am now a better man reading this poem and living my life out by it

  • Dariacarter

    The poem is beautiful. And is also a letter to his son. That is a beautiful thing he did to write the letter for his son to remember him. An also be proud of his father.

  • Coachroundtree

    I love this I ready it ever day it makes my day go so
    much smother

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  • Batistavondiesel

    very deep first time i read it

  • jay27

    i’m not american, and not a even a soldier, but i want to live by this from this moment. Yesterday i wanted to die, but now, I just  heard it in the movie, and realized, my life was empty and pointless. I was full of fear. It gives me the strenght to live. Thank you!

  • Tog315

    Michael Tognacci

    I heard the movie was great and I waited for it to come out in stores so I could  watch it bymyself. I am glad I did. Im a  2003 IRAQ  VETERAN and I served in a Infantry unit I am a Deputy Sheriff now and I  thought the movie was awesome and the poem at the end realy hit home having lost a couple of buddies in IRAQ. I think everyone should live their life by those words it couldnt explain how to live life any better. Just wanted to say thanks to the Soldiers who continue to put there live’s on the line.

  • Pierce

    I am in the air cadets and I want to be in any military force and I shall live my life by these words

  • Kuhska

    I was unable to join the military due to child hood asthma. As i look to my future i look to serve in another way. I am currently going to school to get my criminal justice degree and serve as a police officer. I live by these words every day. And hope to make my children proud by doing so. I salute all that have served this country weather still in life or in death my praise goes out to all of you.

  • http://www.facebook.com/TenBoat Rob Martin

    AMAZING IS ALL I CAN SAY///

  • http://www.facebook.com/TenBoat Rob Martin

    AMAZING IS ALL I CAN THINK TO SAY…

  • http://www.facebook.com/divona.walters DiVona Levei Walters

    Funny how Military lives by us ~ Native American Values and Beliefs …but took all of our vaules of beliefs and threw them out like it was all evil… but what ever … Chief Tecumseh words always make me much more stronger as a Native American WOMAN!!! lelele~

  • LovemyAirman

    As a single mom raising a boy, I wish I had found this poem 20 years ago. Although, I could not be prouder of my the man he is today and will not hesitate in sharing these beautiful words with him and also with young mothers of future men.

  • Gatorsfan97

    I sent this message to my dad who was in the Navy a year ago. Two weeks later my family got that dreadful note no family should go through saying that my father had lost his life in combat while saving a wounded teammate.. I live by this every day because you never know when your time is going to come! God bless everyone who is in or has been in the service or has lost someone in the service!

  • six na.

    this poem was told to me as a child . i am now 40 . i live my life by these words . i have tought my kids by these words.u know the creator gave each person all of us these things talked about in this poem . it’s how you as man install them into your child or family . you live each day as its your last . you tell your family your family you love them before you leave your home because you never know when your time will come. make peace with your daemons . I thank all of our armed forces for there bravery in defending our freedoms. hats off to u.

  • Gunney L

    I also need these words to remond me of what we are, where we came from and where we are going. ooh yah. Brothers be not afraid….

  • http://www.facebook.com/clydene.w.cannon Clydene Williams Cannon

    Semper Fi! Tucumseh’s words are a Prayer – not a Poem!

  • http://twitter.com/unreconspatriot Jim Glenn

    I just watched this movie last night. When the poem was spoken it resonated in my mind and my soul. It reminded me of how shallow and how emotional we can be. I’ve always felt these things in my heart and soul but had never heard these words. My long military career would have been enhanced by these words. It is never too late to commit to being better or more patient.

  • Ashley

    Just did my family tree research and found out he is my ancestor, never even heard of him before tonight and I am moved by his words

  • Pvt. Escobar Joshua

    This poem i carry in the pocket of my PC this truly speaks of the meaning of life and it is very special to me!

  • Christian

    am a soldier in the US Army, for over 10 years now. Not as wise but the marine who posted below is not alone in living these values. its an honor serving beside discplined worriors such as yourself.

  • Paul_Turner

    Touching movie, makes me want to serve for this great country. This poem is what I will live by for the rest of my life. Life is too short to be spiteful, Carpe Diem friends.

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  • SSgt Hamm 1FR USMC

    Thank you all, for the support you give the men and women in uniform.
    “And when he gets to Heaven.
    St. Peter he will tell.
    One more Marine reporting sir.
    I’ve served my time in Hell”

  • http://www.facebook.com/mark.gouldie Mark Gouldie

    Semper fi! Great poem great movie!

  • Maccus’ Weil

    being a Marine is sort of like being a Plains Indian, I would suspect . . . retired military after 21 years as a Marine and Army MI analyst. Act of Valor made me cry too. God bless the good ones against the evil that the Native Americans have always fought against . . .

  • Ben-Anderson

    To the men and women in our armed forces that have served in our armed forces and are still serving thank you for your service and all that you sacrifice and for all the men and women going down range our hearts and souls go out to you and your family’s. For those who haven’t come home Damn few.

  • http://twitter.com/cj_lucky cj villamor

    i am was moved all the comments on this page.

  • http://twitter.com/jorgeusbiker jorgeusbiker

    It is quite moving

  • http://twitter.com/jorgeusbiker jorgeusbiker

    I salute the great men and women who live by this. I am a filipino

  • TimTim

    I am an army veteran from the Iraq war. During my time I learned to live a good life but yet had many struggles emotionaly coming home and for several years felt lost. my buddy told me about the movie and I finally watched it yesterday and today I respect whole heartily all of my brothers and sisters in arms no matter what branch or job I’m great full for you all. I must say that this poem has had me memorized with the strength in its words I wish I had this years ago because just these words have given me a clarity in my thoughts. Very powerful meaning my children will know these words for they aspire to go down range and be apart of our brothers. Thank you to all who have served and are currently or will in the future hoo-ahh

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