In 1956, in the little...
Illustration
In 1956, in the little town of Crestline, California, in an area popular for camping, a new
camp was being planned. Then came the bombshell -- the new camp was for convicts and
would have no walls or fences. Although these were not hardened criminals, there was
severe resentment. The convicts would be trained in fire fighting. Even so, the people felt
justified in their resentment. Then one day, their greatest enemy, fire, struck. Despite the
best efforts of the fire fighters, the threat grew.
If they chose to, this could be a time for a convict to escape. They were widespread and no one could keep track of them. Finally, the tide was turned, the fire put out, and the only missing convict was the one who died in the fire fight. Blistered and burned, the convicts returned to their camp, and there was a change. After that, people smiled and waved. But would it be soon forgotten? Crestline did not forget! Lasting forgiveness was a reality. In fact, a statue was erected, the only one in the world, erected to honor convicts.
If they chose to, this could be a time for a convict to escape. They were widespread and no one could keep track of them. Finally, the tide was turned, the fire put out, and the only missing convict was the one who died in the fire fight. Blistered and burned, the convicts returned to their camp, and there was a change. After that, people smiled and waved. But would it be soon forgotten? Crestline did not forget! Lasting forgiveness was a reality. In fact, a statue was erected, the only one in the world, erected to honor convicts.
