I am not going to go into great detail about what this man did, the video speaks to his acts far more eloquently than my poor skills. Msgt. Benavidez flew into a major firefight to rescue a squad that was hopelessly trapped by a North Vietnamese battalion. Armed only with a knife and medical gear, he saved the lives of eight soldiers and was grievously wounded himself. Please view the video and marvel at his self sacrifice.
But what I wonder is this:
Where does God forge such strength in the hearts of men?
As David sings in Psalm 139:15-16:
Does He peer into the yet unformed soul - soft and shapeless, but full of potential - and insert something of Himself? Some unknown component of the Godhead that bends men to His will without their even knowing it? Is it in our hearts? Our brain? Where does this reside so completely hidden until it bursts forth and amazes us? Like a seed in a dry land that suddenly erupts overnight into a magnificent tree, did Roy surprise his mates?My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to
be.
There are undoubtably thousands of men who acted without thought for their own safety during the wars and conflicts that have followed the founding of our Nation. The overwhelming majority go unreported, unnoticed save for those who witnessed them. While we can honor such men as MSGT Benavidrz, for it is right and fitting that we do, let us also honor those who gave also themselves and did not receive the recognition.
Thanks to Charlie the ChiTown Cop for sending me this video.
6 comments:
Dear Sig94,
Wow!!!
Thank you.
Thank you, sig. I am humbled by this.
Jaded - this video moved me like few things have done. I do not get emotional very easily, this did it.
Nickie - that's how I felt. I was stunned when I saw it.
Very humbling. Makes me wonder how we as a nation can truly deserve such men.
Subvet - Maybe we don't any longer. But then again, when it comes down to a situation like that faced by Roy Benavidez, we don't fight for our country or our ideals, we fight for our friends and neighbors. We fight for those we love.
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