Brave Knights and Heroic Courage

"Since it is so likely that they will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage."
-CS Lewis

Take the time to read about Corporal Sean Stokes on Blackfive. We'd all be better for holding his memory in our hearts.

In the Orthodox Christian church, we say and sing "Memory Eternal" when someone dies. And although we honor our dead for generations, that's not the point of "memory eternal". Our memories fade with time, and the legends of these brave knights undeservedly fade into the pages of history. But God will know the names of Sean Stokes and Bradley Adams for all eternity.

But even with our own faulty memories, let us remember their courage and selfless love for their brothers in arms.

You may have seen this before, but this story brought it to mind:

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

~Author Unknown~