"The Constitutional Convention debated whether America should even have a standing army. ... They worried that a powerful military could rival civilian government for power in our new country, and of course they worried that having a standing army around would create too much of a temptation to use it."

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The Seconds that tick as the clock moves along Are Privates who march with a spirit so strong. The Minutes are Captains. The Hours of the day Are Officers brave, who lead on to the fray. So, remember, when tempted to loiter and dream You've an army at hand; your command is supreme; And question yourself, as it goes on review-- Had it helped in the fight with the best it could do?

— Philander Chase Johnson