Soldiers of the Star League, I've a few words to say before we begin. We've come a long way, my friends. From the far Periphery to just outside home, we have fought battle after battle. We've seen our enemy fall before us. We've seen our friends die. Now, tired, bloodied, and battered, we are about to enter a battle that many have said is impossible to win. Perhaps they are right. perhaps freeing Terra from the Usurper is humanly impossible. If it is, I'm not worried. I have long known that the men and women whom it has been my honor to command are more than just flesh and blood. That they are more than the sum of their physical parts. An unalloyed spirit runs through you like sparks in diamonds. it is hard to put this into words but when I look into the eyes of even the lowest-ranked trooper, I see the Star League. And I know that the worth of the Star League lies with the fact that it gave birth to and nurtured men and women like you. Friends...it is time to go home. Godspeed to all of you.
-Commanding General Alexander Kerensky's address to the assembled SLDF, 23 January 2777
The time has come. You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many years. The eyes of the galaxy are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave brothers in arms, you will bring about the destruction of the Amaris war machine, the elimination of tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Terra, and security for ourselves in a free and liberated Hegemony.
Tonight is the night of nights. Tomorrow, throughout the whole world bells will ring out the tidings that you have arrived, and the liberation has begun. The hopes and prayers of your near ones accompany you, the confidence of your high commanders goes with you. The fears of Stefan Amaris are about to become reality.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely.
Let us strike hard. When the going is tough, let us go harder. Imbued with faith in the righteousness of our cause, and in the power of our might, let us annihilate the enemy where found.
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!
Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
-Lieutenant General James McEvedy's (Acting Commander, 15th Army Group) speech to the 15th Army Group upon achieving Terran orbit, 30 January, 2777