Marvel’s super-soldier Captain America has fought for his country’s freedoms since he burst onto the scene in 1941, infamously punching evil dictator Adolf Hitler in the jaw. Time and again, Cap’s proven himself a true hero. He champions the underdog, encourages unity, and stands with his allies against villainous threats, no matter the odds.

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Steve Rogers has spoken some of the most inspirational words in the comics and on the big screen. A noble hero, reliable friend, and wise mentor, he always knows the right words of encouragement to share or the sage advice some of the younger heroes need to hear.

Updated on November 29, 2022 by Scoot Allan: Captain America is known for his speeches almost as much as he's known for his shield and star-spangled uniform. His iconic catchphrase is "Avengers Assemble!" but he certainly has an ample supply of words that have moved people to action beyond those. Over the years, he's made several very memorable speeches, so there's certainly no shortage of inspiring quotes, iconic lines, and unforgettable speeches.

15 "We Run Around, Calling Ourselves Avengers..."

Avengers (Vol. 1) #80, by writer Roy Thomas, penciler John Buscema, inker Tom Palmer, and letterer Sam Rosen

Captain America talking to the Avengers

"Yet, when this man comes before us with something to avenge — a wrong that shrieks to heaven for vengeance — we turn a deaf ear because his cause isn't world-shattering enough for us! We forget that the world can end with a whimper as well as with a bang!"

When Red Wolf asked the Avengers for help, they were reluctant to intervene. Captain America stuck up for Red Wolf's cause and made an impassioned argument to the rest of the Avengers. They ultimately helped Red Wolf due to Captain America's speech, which revealed just what kind of guy Steve Rogers was at his core.

14 "There's Been Too Much Pain And Death Because Of What Happened That Day..."

Thor (Vol. 3) #11, by writer J. Michael Straczynski, penciler Olivier Coipel, inkers Mark Morales, Danny Miki, and Andy Lanning, colorists Laura Martin & Paul Mounts, and letterer Chris Eliopoulos

Captain America's ghost talking to Thor after Civil War

The summoned ghost of Captain America appeared to Thor after he died in the aftermath of the Superhuman Civil War. Thor returned after the Civil War to a very different world without his good friend, Captain America. Thor offered to avenge his friend after summoning his spirit.

Captain America didn't want any more misery spread on his behalf. Helping others and mitigating some of the misery in the world were his only goals. "I can still feel the world, Thor ... I won't add to it. I have no debts you need to settle and no regrets."

13 "Every One Of Us Has Been Where You Are Right Now..."

Avengers Assemble (Vol. 2) #24, by writers Kelly Sue DeConnick & Warren Ellis, penciler/inker Matteo Buffagni, colorist Ruth Redmond, and letterer Clayton Cowles

Steve Rogers giving a speech to Spider-Girl

"This place, this is where we come when the monsters we face are too powerful or too plentiful... From the moment you stepped in here, you were never alone." Captain America shared these words with Spider-Girl, or Araña, a young superheroine who had been helping the team in the Avengers Assemble series.

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The threats she faced while working with the Avengers overwhelmed Araña. Captain America offered a few comforting words to Araña before offering her a place with the Avengers. He cared about the people he worked with and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Captain America wanted Araña to know that even the world's best heroes felt overwhelmed sometimes.

12 "I Know Who I Am. I Rescue The Helpless. I Raise Up The Hopeless. I Don't Measure People's Lives... I Save Them."

Avengers (Vol. 5) #34, by writer Jonathan Hickman, penciler Leinil Francis Yu, inker Gerry Alanguilan, colorists Sunny Gho & Matt Milla, and letterer Cory Petit

Captain America holding the Time Stone

Captain America attempted to use the Infinity Gauntlet to stop a universal incursion. When the Time Stone shattered, he was sent on a journey across time. Captain America eventually encountered three versions of Kang the Conqueror in the future.

Captain America didn't mince words when he faced with immensely powerful beings from times unimaginable. They urged him to change his course, but Captain America has always been assured of who he is; he helps people. He won't consider doing anything else, and his actions encourage readers to do the same.

11 "I Will Not Tolerate — I Will Not Allow — Any Talk Of The Necessity Of Necessary Evil..."

New Avengers (Vol. 3) #2, by writer Jonathan Hickman, penciler/inker Steve Epting, inker Rick Magyar, colorist Frank D'Armata, and letterer Joe Caramagna

Captain America giving a lecture to the Illuminati

"I have spent my life on that line and every time I've seen someone cross it, death and horror and shame was what followed. So I refuse to entertain it." Captain America and the rest of the Illuminati gathered to discuss the universal incursions threatening reality. He tried to sway them to use the Infinity Gauntlet, but its failure led to other thoughts.

The rest of the Illuminati comprised Iron Man, Black Panther, Mister Fantastic, Namor, Beast, Doctor Strange, and Black Bolt. They began discussing the possible need to destroy other Earths to save their own. Captain America wouldn't break his own rules, as the ensuing bloodbath would be intolerable to him. The Illuminati prepared for this and erased his memory of their plans.

10 “A Single Individual Who Has The Right Heart And The Right Mind, That Is Consumed With A Single Purpose... That One Man Can Win A War.”

Dark Reign: New Nation (Vol. 1) #1, by writers Brian Michael Bendis & Jonathan Hickman, penciler/inker Stefano Caselli, colorist Daniele Rudoni, and letterer Cory Petit

Captain America giving a speech to his troops during the war

Troubling times loomed when Norman Osborn became the Director of National Security following the Skrull Invasion. With new heroes finding themselves under the spotlight, Nick Fury remembered wise words from Captain America that helped him inspire their unity to confront Norman’s new regime.

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Captain America addressed the Howling Commandos with some encouragement in a flashback from WWII. "Give that one man a group of soldiers with the same conviction, and you can change the world." It’s a motivational sentiment that suggested anyone can stand up to evil and enforce change.

9 “Because In America We Have The Freedom To Speak Out About What We Believe In, To Offer Up New Ideas About How To Do Things.”

Marvel Age Spider-Man Team-Up (Vol. 1) #2, by writer Todd Dezago, penciler Lou Kang, inker Pat Davidson, colorist Digital Rainbow, and letterer Dave Sharpe

Captain America giving a speech about freedom

During a Marvel Age: Spider-Man Team-Up, the web-slinger joined Captain America as his partner in Manhattan to fight against A.I.M. agents. Deciding to join the super-soldier on his next mission to defeat the Grey Gargoyle, Captain America made some time to impart some good old-fashioned advice to Spider-Man.

Captain America is the ultimate champion of freedom and understands the importance and the power of freedom of speech. He told Spider-Man that the ability to speak freely provided, "the freedom to make changes and to make a difference. To make ourselves better… and hopefully, make things better for everyone else in the process."

8 “I Can Do This All Day.”

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Steve Rogers in a fight from Captain America The First Avenger

Perhaps the most famous quote Steve Rogers has uttered in the Marvel Cinematic Universe shows his unflinching determination to stand up to villains and fight for his country. The line has made a few appearances in the MCU, beginning in Captain America: The First Avenger, where plain old pre-serum Steve gets into a fight he has no chance of winning.

Steve Rogers later tossed the phrase again as Red Skull has him on his knees. He even threw it at frenemies, resiliently standing up to Iron Man with a bloody mouth during their epic battle in Captain America: Civil War. No matter how many hits he takes, Steve Rogers will always get back up.

7 “I Protected America. Life, Liberty, And The Pursuit Of Happiness. Democracy.”

Marvel 1602 (Vol. 1) #8, by writer Neil Gaiman, penciler Andy Kubert, penciler/inker/colorist Richard Isanove, and letterer Todd Klein

Rojhaz from Marvel 1602

“Not something you people have seen much of yet. But it’s worth fighting for.” Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert’s Marvel 1602 was a time-warping mini-series that reimagined Marvel heroes in the Elizabethan era. A version of Captain America from a troubled future appeared in this alternative timeline, causing a devastating rift that threatened to destroy the entire 1602 timeline.

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In an era where the British monarchy continued to rule and America offered a new land of possibilities by threatening the survival of its native people, Steve continued to champion democracy and freedom. He considered America to be his country and his responsibility, no matter which era he inhabited.

6 “The World Must Never Again Make The Fatal Error Of Mistaking Compassion For Weakness!”

Avengers (Vol. 1) #6, by writer Stan Lee, penciler Jack Kirby, inker Chic Stone, colorist Stan Goldberg, and letterer Sam Rosen

Captain America and the Avengers fighting the Masters of Evil

The villainous group known as the Masters of Evil featured a few of the Avengers' most iconic villains. When they first confronted the Avengers, Captain America valiantly fought against Baron Zemo, one of his oldest rivals. Baron Zemo didn't intimidate Captain America as he had met many men who ridiculed democracy and longed to destroy freedom during the Second World War.

Steve Rogers has beaten power-hungry fascists before, and he’s always confident in his ability to do it again. He acknowledged that compassion is a sign of strength, reinforcing that kind-heartedness and unity are far more powerful than Zemo's hatred and greed.

5 “Now And Forevermore, I Am A Man Of The People.”

Captain America (Vol. 4) #7, by writer John Ney Rieber, penciler Trevor Hairsine, inker Danny Miki, colorist Dave Stewart, and letterers Wes Abbott & Richard Starkings

Captain America dodging bullets with his shield

Captain America has felt conflicted about his position as a symbol of America a few times over the years. The flag he bears on his chest isn’t just embroidered on his uniform; it’s entwined in his very being. Regardless of whether he acts as Captain America or not, his motivations are always to do what’s best for the people.

Steve Rogers once renounced the idea of being a superhero altogether, choosing instead to become a man of the people. “Together, you and I will identify and confront America’s problems. Together, we will figure out what we are and what we can be. Together, we will define the American Dream and make it an American Reality.”

4 “It’s Tempting To Want To Live In The Past. It’s Familiar, It’s Comfortable. But It’s Where Fossils Come From.”

Captain America: Man Out of Time (Vol. 1) #5, by writer Mark Waid, penciler Jorge Molina, inker Karl Kesel, colorist Frank D'Armata, and letterer Joe Sabino

Captain America during WWII in "Man Out Of Time"

Exploring Captain America’s rebirth into the 21st century, Captain America: Man Out of Time reimagined how the super soldier would acclimatize to waking up to the modern world after sixty years on ice. Discovering that the symbolism of his superhero persona still resonated, he grappled with the desire to return to the 1940s or face his new future.

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Realizing that he couldn’t go home, Steve Rogers accepted his fate and looked forward instead. Captain America developed a real understanding of having to adapt to the world. If he didn’t keep up, he would get left behind, making it important to push himself outside of his comfort zone.

3 “Courage. Honor. Loyalty. Sacrifice. You’re Braver Than You Think.”

Captain America: The Chosen (Vol. 1) #1, by writer David Morrell, penciler/inker Mitch Breitweiser, colorist Brian Reber, and letterer Cory Petit

Captain America giving a speech about courage and honor in the comics

Captain America is a master of providing reassurance. In the must-read run of Captain America: The Chosen, young Corporal James Newman found himself in the heat of battle in Afghanistan, unsure of his place in the war. Captain America eventually showed up to help on the battlefield and imparted a few words of wisdom to the young marine.

It’s later revealed that Steve Rogers was in the hospital after the super-soldier serum started to fail his body. He used temporary telepathic projection to inspire his troops on the battlefield, fighting to protect his country until the bitter end. Encouraging Newman by highlighting the virtues he embodied showed that ordinary people are also capable of doing extraordinary things.

2 “I Don’t Like Bullies; I Don’t Care Where They’re From.”

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Steve Rogers during army inspection from Captain America The First Avenger

Steve Rogers didn’t need the super-soldier serum to be worthy as the Sentinel of Liberty in the rewatchable Captain America: The First Avenger. When scientist Abraham Erskine asked Steve Rogers if he wanted to kill Nazis, he responded with “I don’t want to kill anyone. I don’t like bullies; I don’t care where they’re from.”

This was, of course, a test to see if Steve Rogers had the pure heart and humanity needed to create a super-soldier. His confident, caring assertion showed that Steve already had the might to defeat evil, and he didn’t need the muscles to prove it.

1 "No, YOU Move."

Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #537, by writer J. Michael Straczynski, penciler Ron Garney, inker Bill Reinhold, colorist Matt Milla, and letterer Cory Petit

Captain America giving his famous speech to Spider-Man during Civil War

Captain America is well known for his pep talks and lectures, but his discussion with Spider-Man in the midst of the superhuman Civil War was perhaps one of his most moving and well-known speeches. He drew inspiration from Mark Twain when Spider-Man asked him how he dealt with the pressures facing him to do the right thing.

"This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world, 'No, YOU Move.'"

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