Americans had stood firmly against acquiring overseas people and territories that would be ruled from afar.

NPR: 'Folly of Empire' Offers Critique of U.S. Imperialism

He added that the government stood firmly with the community of West Lothian and would help it recover from the "body blow to their economy".

BBC: John Swinney

But the board has stood firmly beside its chairman and CEO and appears to be offering the Discover sale as a bone to make the dissident group go away.

FORBES: Morgan Stanley Meltdown

Through it all, Purcell and the board of directors have stood firmly in support of changes made at the top of the company that sparked the departures of a dozen or more senior bankers.

FORBES: Morgan Stanley In Crisis

He stood firmly in the doorway.

NEWYORKER: The Swan

But Curry, with his board firmly behind him, stood his ground.

FORBES: Physician, Heal Thyself: How a Hospital in California Became a Model of Change Management

You stood and stand firmly by your vision.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and President Peres of Israel Speak at State Dinner | The White House