"Some Gave All"

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." -- John 15:13

Now this is true heroism. And rightly recognized:

President Bush on Monday presented the nation's highest military award to a 19-year-old soldier who died saving the lives of four comrades in Iraq by jumping on a grenade tossed into their military vehicle. The honored soldier, Army Pfc. Ross McGinnis, "gave all for his country," the president said somberly.

McGinnis was in the gunner’s hatch of a Humvee on Dec. 4, 2006, on a patrol in Iraq, when a grenade sailed past him and into the vehicle where the four other soldiers sat. He shouted a warning, then jumped on the grenade while it was lodged near the vehicle’s radio.

"By that split-second decision, Private McGinnis lost his own life, and he saved his comrades," Bush said.

Wow. Now that takes guts, sacrifice, and love. I feel deeply ashamed... yet I also find myself in endless awe and reverence. Private McGinness is indeed a hero. And true heroes give of themselves, so that others may find safer ground.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 1:01 AM  I   I  0 comments