Posted on 07/01/2004 5:14:24 PM PDT by knak
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. July 1, 2004 — The Army has reversed itself and will continue to help a nonprofit group distribute honorary medallions that cite a Bible verse. Fallen Friend, which since 1995 has distributed nearly 2,000 medallions to survivors of those killed in the line of duty, had been told by the Army in May that it could no longer help forward the medallions because the inscription "John 15:13" was inappropriate and might offend some families.
The verse, which is not on the gold-colored medallion, reads, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
The chief of the Army's Casualty Operations Division notified Fallen Friend President Bob Parker on Thursday of the Army's change of heart.
"Upon further evaluation, it has been determined that while there is a Biblical reference on the medallion, this reference is not of such nature that it is likely to be offensive to most next of kin," Lt. Col. Kevin Logan wrote in an e-mail to Parker. "I am sincerely sorry for any inconvenience our earlier decision made on you and your organization."
Since word spread of Parker's troubles with the Army, he has received numerous e-mails and letters in support.
"This is what makes America beautiful," Parker said in a telephone interview from his home in Clairfield, about 40 miles north of Knoxville. "If people hadn't gotten involved, the Army wouldn't have changed its mind."
The military branches provide Parker the names of the deceased, and he sends the medals to the branches to be distributed to the survivors. The medallions are also inscribed with the person's name and the words "A Fallen Friend."
What kind of person/group makes a decision without reading the verse first...makes no sense.
Truth wins out.....
AS long as the Mulsim and Wiccan chaplains dont object
There are a few muslim chaplains, but, to date, there are no wiccan chaplains. (A buddhist chaplain in the reserves, too, I think)
Xzins
Chaplain (retired) US Army
Two Chaplains in a foxhole on Iwo one lives one dies. So goes it was not your time.
On the History Channel there is the Color of War series and there right in the middle with gunfire and explosions was a service going on.
The verse is VERY fitting. For it is not Country, the Flag, or anything like it that men make the sacrifice. It is for the guy in the foxhole with them.
Divisions, Brigades, Batteries, Platoons and Squads all break down to MEN.
Without Chaplains Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen would not have a little peace and reassurance.
Grunts have respect for Medics and Chaplians.
Thanks.
Thanks, Michael.
Chaplains are honored to work with America's best. Thanks for your support of America.
X
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.