Description

Molon labe (Ancient Greek: μολὼν λαβέ, romanized: molṑn labé), meaning ‘come and take [them]’, is a classical expression of defiance.

It is among the Laconic phrases reported by Plutarch, attributed to King Leonidas I in reply to the demand by Xerxes I that the Spartans surrender their weapons. The exchange between Leonidas and Xerxes occurs in writing, on the eve of the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BC).

Modern use of ‘ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ’ as a military motto appears to originate in the Kingdom of Greece during the First World War or the Greco-Turkish War. The motto is on the emblem of the I Army Corps of Greece and the Second Infantry Division of Cyprus. The phrase was inscribed on the Thermopylae monument (1955), using an archaic script that would be appropriate for the time of the Persian Wars.

During the Cyprus Emergency between Greek Cypriot insurgents and British troops, Cypriot leader Grigoris Afxentiou on 3 March 1957 became surrounded by British forces outside his secret hideout near the Machairas Monastery near Lazanias, Nicosia. The British troops requested him to surrender his arms, but Afxentiou shouted molon labe in reply. Unable to flush him out and sustaining several casualties, the British forces resorted to pouring gasoline into his hideout and lighting it.

In the United States; allusion to the phrase in translation (“come and take it!”) is recorded in the context of the Revolutionary War, noted in 1778 at Fort Morris in the Province of Georgia, and later in 1835 at the Battle of Gonzales during the Texas Revolution where it became a prevalent slogan.

Use of the original Greek in the United States is more recent. Its use by militia organizations is reported for the 1990s or early 2000s, and use by the Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) is recorded for 2006.

In the United States, the original Greek phrase and its English translation are often heard as a defense of the right to keep and bear arms and opposition to gun control legislation.

Dry-Fit Jersey Mesh Polo

The entire Proud Americans Who Serve Polo line is made with high quality Jersey mesh polyester material to ensure you have a polo shirt that will be the same size and quality after numerous washes with colors to that are unwavering in detail and resilience in color.

The Proud Americans Who Serve polo has unparalleled breathability for superior cooling. The Jersey mesh technology ensures breathable comfort all day long. This technology locks in color; keeping the designs and colors crisp-making these polos a must have fan favorite all season long.

The Proud Americans Who Serve Polos are made with flat lock stitching using 4 needles with 6 threads overlocking.

Polo Details:

165 gsm / 4.87-ounce, 100% Jersey mesh polyester (front, back, and side panels)
Moisture wicking, eco-friendly, quick dry material
Around the neck tag-free label
Flat knit collar
3-button placket with dyed-to-match black buttons
Set-in, open hem sleeves
The official Proud Americans Who Serve label inside the collar
Unisex
Packaged in individual polybags

Caring for your Proud Americans Who Serve Polo

Please adhere to these washing and drying instructions to ensure your shirt last for years to come.

  • MACHINE WASH COLD
  • WASH INSIDE OUT WITH LIKE COLORS
  • DO NOT USE SOFTNERS
  • REMOVE IMMEDIATELY
  • DO NOT ALLOW TO LAY ON ITSELF WHEN WET
  • DO NOT BLEACH
  • COOL IRON
  • DO NOT IRON DESIGN
  • DO NOT DRY CLEAN
  • TUMBLE DRY LOW