The expression my country right or wrong—perhaps a misquotation of the American naval officer Stephen Decatur, but also attributed to Carl Schurz—is the extreme form of this belief.
Because of all these potential foreign consequences, 104 former Turkish admirals and naval officers signed an open letter expressing their objection to the canal's construction.
" Compatriots, no matter where you are, the great motherland will always be your strongest backup! " a naval officer told the 678 passengers, including 10 foreigners.