7 Oct, 2008
"Overdue and Presumed Lost". In World War II those were the most feared words the families of a submarine crew could hear.
On July 30, 1942, the USS Grunion was in the Aleutian Islands of southwestern Alaska. It was a new submarine on its very first war patrol. It reported "heavy antisubmarine activity," was sent orders to head for the port of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and was never heard from again. On August 16 it was listed as overdue and presumed lost. 70 crew members died.
And that would have been, as in too many other cases, the final, desperately sad end to the story, if not for the determination of some of the crew's children -- in particular, the sons of the Grunion's commanding officer.
Lt. Commander Mannert Abele left behind three boys, Bruce, Brad and John, and they decided to search for the Grunion. In 2006, using side-scan sonar, they located a wreck a mile down, off the island of Kiska, Alaska. Now the Pacific Command of the U.S. Navy has put out word confirming it is the Grunion.
"We hope this announcement will help to give closure to the families of the 70 crewmen of Grunion," said Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny, Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific Fleet, in a statement.
The Naval Historical Center put out a statement that said in part, "no amount of analysis or speculation will change or alter the fact that families lost fathers, husbands, uncles and brothers...the Navy and the nation will always be grateful for their service and their sacrifice."
(Photo above, of the USS Grunion in 1942, courtesy U.S. Navy. Partial story courtesy of Ned Potter at abcnews.com Oct.3,2008)
Freedom's Expense
John 15:13
13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (ESV)
What does God's Story scripture teach us about ultimate sacrifice?
- Many people talk about how great it is to have freedom here in America. The 70 servicemen mentioned above did much more than talk...they paid the ultimate price by giving their lives so that others could experience freedom during this lifetime.
- In this passage, Jesus talks about this truth...that the ultimate act of love is to lay down your life for others. Jesus also did much more than talk...He made the greatest of all sacrifices so that you and I could experience freedom. The freedom He offers, however, is eternal!
How does God's Story scripture connect to my story?
How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and my story to others?
- Think of a family that you know who has someone serving overseas right now. Call them, write them a note or actually go and tell them that you are praying for their loved one...and then do it.
- Each day we hear of these brave men and women who pay the ultimate price in combat. Sometimes we see a flag at half mast in their honor. As discussions about this arise, perhaps you could ask your friend the question, "Do you think you could ever give your life for someone else?"...and then tell them about the One who did this for you.
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