A Clint Eastwood movie has the right ex[;anation. He is trying to make a peace deal for some settlers and himslef.
The dialog:

"It is a good day to die."
"It is always a good day to die."
"It is harder to live, dying is easy."
"This is true."
Then Clint makes a deal with the Indians for when they travel through the valley. Peace is accomplished. Conclusion:
It is easy to die for one's country, state, city, family. It is harder to remain alive and build/provide for one's country, state, city, or family!