“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” –John 15:13
On the Night of February 15, 1898, there was a large explosion on the USS Maine. This U.S. Navy ship was anchored in the harbor of Havana, Cuba. The explosion led to the sinking of the USS Maine. 266 sailors lost their lives that terrible night. This event would become the final reason that the United States of America would go to war against Spain, who was currently occupying Cuba.
That night, on the deck of the burning Maine, Father John Chidwick, the chaplain assigned to the USS Main, quickly acted to render aid and to try to save of the lives of his shipmates. He worked tirelessly to care for the wounded and minister to the dying. Even with his own life in danger, Chaplain Chidwick and other shipmates offered comfort and care to those on the ship who were affected by the explosion. He was one of the last sailors off the ship that night before it sank to the bottom of the harbor.
After seeing to the burial of his shipmates and offering all possible care to their families, Father John Chidwick continued to serve the Navy throughout the Spanish-American War. He, like so many veterans, worked tirelessly to serve his fellow servicemen and his country.
This story of one brave man who was willing to go out of his way to serve his country and his fellow servicemen is just one of millions of stories of those who have served in our armed forces. They have been willing to serve, offering their very lives when needed, for God, country and their fellow servicemen and women.
Everyday our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines faithfully serve our country, often separated from their families, in some of the most dangerous parts of the world. We owe a great deal of gratitude to these brave men and women. They sacrifice so much so that we can be free.
On this Veterans Day, let us offer our gratitude to God and to those we know who have served. They have been willing to serve and sacrifice for us all. Their bravery is worthy of our gratefulness. And while we are offering our gratitude to those who have served our country, let us pray for those who are currently serving and their families. On their behalf, let us pray for peace.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
