A Band of Brothers by Rev Christopher P Foustoukos

He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand has supported me; your help has made me great. Psalm 18:34-35 NRSV

   Recently when we were on vacation and visited Normandy I read the story of 26 year old Major Dick Winters who was among 13,000 other para-troopers who were about to enter the first battle in what would be the largest amphibious attack in history....the invasion of Normandy. Major Winters had no idea he was going to be in command. Easy Company’s commander was killed in the jump.

   Just eight hours after landing, Major Winters led a dozen men in an attack on Brecourt Manor in France where 50 German soldiers were entrenched, guarding an artillery battery and its four heavy guns shelling Omaha Beach. The major lead an attack on the fixed position that is still taught at West Point today. They destroyed all four guns, and then Major Winters personally seized the military maps, revealing the German army’s positions all along the Normandy coast. It is important to note that none of Easy Company had ever been in battle before.  

   The popular TV series, “Band of Brothers,” was inspired by these events. Major Winters was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second highest medal for valor. He retired to his hometown of Lancaster, PA and died at the age of 92. In Saint-Marie du Mont France, a statue of Major Winters was erected to honor him and all the junior officers who led American men on D-Day. It seems that most often when service culminates in heroics, it is in a spontaneous circumstance where training and courage merge into perfection. This is exactly why so many heroes insist they are not heroes. Knowing today that all of us serving in our various roles in our parish, home or work, are making a difference for someone somewhere.

   My friends let us take up our cross regardless if the action is calculated or spontaneous, and may our Lord guide us to make a difference in any situation the Lord places us in. May we be found faithful when that moment comes.

+ Rev Christopher P Foustoukos