In his book, Flags...
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In his book, Flags of our Fathers, James Bradley told how General Holland M. (Howlin' Mad) Smith saw an unforgettable example of Marine valor when he surveyed the island of Tarawa after it was taken from the Japanese by American forces. Tarawa was one of the first American amphibious assault victories in the Pacific in World War II. Smith saw a Marine, leaning in death against a seawall, one arm still thrust upward. Just beyond his upraised hand, on top of the seawall, hung a blue-and-white flag, a beach marker to tell succeeding waves of troops where to land. Smith said, "How can men like that ever be defeated? This Marine's duty was to plant that flag on top of the seawall. He did his duty, though it cost him his life. Semper fidelis meant more to him than just a catchphrase."
This Marine was a unique man, a man committed to do his duty. Jesus was also unique, not a priest after the order of Levi, but after the order of Melchizedek. And he performed his duty. Through intense suffering and a shameful death, he pointed us to the way of salvation. Through his perfect obedience unto death, he obtained for us eternal life.
This Marine was a unique man, a man committed to do his duty. Jesus was also unique, not a priest after the order of Levi, but after the order of Melchizedek. And he performed his duty. Through intense suffering and a shameful death, he pointed us to the way of salvation. Through his perfect obedience unto death, he obtained for us eternal life.
