Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

People have long been inspired by William Ernest Henley’s 1875 poem “Invictus.” Winston Churchill drew upon the piece for inspiration numerous times throughout World War II, often quoting the last two lines — “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul” — and sharing that it is through “unconquerable will” that victory will be achieved.

Nelson Mandela, while imprisoned for 27 years on Robben Island, recited the poem and shared it with fellow prison mates to keep them going through unimaginably difficult times. And throughout several conflicts around the world, soldiers and prisoners of war have been known to share the words and draw the strength to go on.

Today, across Boeing, we continue to reflect on the poem “Invictus,” which is Latin for “unconquerable,” because it perfectly captures the fortitude of the human spirit — courage, resilience and unyielding determination — and what our veterans have demonstrated time and time again. The strength to meet every challenge with valor and grace, even in the darkest and most difficult times, while sacrificing to defend our freedoms.

So, we will join in cheering on the 500-plus unconquerable souls from more than 20 countries who will compete in the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 this Sept. 9-16 as a Presenting Partner.

We do this because we’re inspired by our veterans and the entire international service community. And we’re forever grateful and indebted to them for the sacrifices they — and their families — make for their nations. We see their determination, selflessness and unconquerable will. We value the unique and valuable skills and experiences our veterans bring to everything they do. And we’re committed to supporting them however we can, from skills training for military spouses to empowering veterans in their transitions to civilian life. We’re proud to have more than 20,000 veteran teammates at Boeing and to have recently been named by DiversityInc as the number one company for veterans.

In collaboration with the Invictus Games Foundation and through the power of sport, we hope to foster the recovery and rehabilitation of international wounded and injured veterans and broaden the understanding and respect for these heroes.

I hope you’ll join us, and I hope you’ll be moved — like we are at Boeing — to support veterans and their families.

Ziad Ojakli is the executive vice president of Government Operations at The Boeing Co.