An online letter to a Montana newspaper is reminding us what today’s holiday is all about.
The letter was sent to the Missoulian from Dan Manka.
He writes, “When I was a school boy, we held public services at the war memorial next to our grade school. They would play hymns and patriotic songs while we all sang together. We recited “In Flanders Field” and other patriotic poems.
This Memorial Day, I would like to share with my fellow Americans the true story of a real American hero. Commander Howard Walter Gilmore was the skipper of the World War II submarine U.S.S. Growler. After taking the controls of his sub topside and ramming a Japanese ship, Gilmore gave the order: “Clear the bridge!” While his men were scrambling down through the hatch, Gilmore was wounded by the Japanese machine guns. Unable to save both himself and his boat, Gilmore gave his last order so that his sub and his crew would be safe. His order was, “Take her down!” He saved his boat and the lives of his men by sacrificing his own life. For this heroic action, Gilmore was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumously.
Memorial Day is a special day for each of us to recall men and stories like this one. I am proud of the godly heritage of my country, but I tremble for its future and for the proper training of young Americans.
And Manka adds this closing paragraph. Gilmore’s sacrifice for his men reminds me of Christ’s sacrifice for all men. Gilmore was able to give a gift of freedom to his crew, but Jesus’ death on the cross causes Him to be able to offer all of us freedom from the penalty of our sin.