On September 17, 1944, we were part of the first wave of Allied parachute troops that landed in the Netherlands. We were part of the massive airborne assault codenamed, Operation Market Garden. The plane carrying me and my comrades from the 101st, encountered heavy anti-aircraft fire as we approached the jump zone. Our pilots were able to hold formation, and for the most part, we were delivered to the correct drop zones.
We made our drop to the west of the main highway near the villages of Zon, St. Oedenrode, and Best. My company, the 506th Parachute Infantry E Company (Easy Company), cleared Zon, but it was slow going with lots of casualties. 1st Battalion, under General Taylor, moved around the village to the south to seize the bridge crossing at the Wilhelmina Canal, but heavy enemy fire completely pinned them down as they tried to approach the bridge. We moved out of Zon and met up with 1st Battalion. We were starting to beat back the German defenses when the Germans blew the bridge.
Some of us were called to form a strike force and we slowly made our way across the river. We were finally able to destroy the Germans who had blown up the bridge and we were able to get everyone across. It was the first time I had seen battle - the first time I saw the carnage of war - the first time I ever saw what lead and bombs could do to flesh. I had lost my faith because of that war…until I met Chaplain Steve 64 years later.
There are many stories like this one. This particular story is told through the eyes of John. He was there in that invasion; 18 years old and fresh out of training. This was his first jump as a member of Easy Company, the “Band of Brothers” made famous by the HBO miniseries of the same name.
Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war. (Proverbs 20:18)
I want to fast forward a few decades. In the U.S. there are many men and women who participate in military re-enactments. They bring history alive from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, from the French and Indian War to WWII. One of the Deans of our Diocese, Fr. Stephen DelSignore is a re-enactor. He participates in an alternative ministry as a WWII Army Chaplain – in Easy Company.
Steven participates at the annual “Battle of the Bulge” reenactment at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania held every January. “Chaplain Steve,” as he is known, serves as the Chaplain for the 101st Airborne - complete with the period uniforms, and an authentic chaplain’s kit issued in the 1940’s.
When Fr. Steven told me about his involvement and how serious he was about this alternative ministry I was enthralled. You see it isn’t about men and women playing soldier. It’s about living our history, and it’s a living memorial to all the heroes of WWII - the fallen as well as those who came home.
The added reality to this memorial is that Fr. Steven is a priest. He takes his ministry with him and is able to impart to men and women, some who may never set foot in a church out side the Fort Indiantown Gap chapel, the grace of God, the Gospel of Christ.
Steven has told me several stories of his time as a Chaplain re-enactor. My favorite is the story of John. Since his experience in Holland, John hadn’t been in a church nor taken communion in over 65 years. He came to the re-enactment as a guest, meeting Chaplain Steve during his visit. By the grace of God, he reconnected with his faith while experiencing this amazing alternative ministry.
Remember, freedom has a price; it can’t be bought with dollars and cents. It can’t be measured by wealth and power. The price of freedom is rows of white markers. This weekend, celebrate your freedom, and remember what it cost.
Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2)
Be thankful for freedom,
Bishop Ian
John receives communion - his first since WWII
