Know The Power That Is Peace
I was traveling with my son when he was a little boy and we stopped at the Little Bighorn Memorial in Montana. I'd always had a fascination with this place and was drawn to it many times over the years.
We walked for hours over the battlefield that day and I would read Jonathan what was on all the markers. He was pretty worn out by the time lunch came and as we sat having something to eat he asked me, "How long did this battle take, Dad?"
I looked at him and said, "It took less time than it takes a hungry man to eat his dinner. It was a great lesson in why you should never under estimate anything or anyone."
After lunch we went to the Amphitheatre to watch and listen to a U.S. Forest Ranger give the most compelling narration of that famous battle I'd ever heard. Speaking from a podium in front of a 180 degree mural of the Battle of The Little Bighorn painted on the walls, he spoke with reverence of what had happened that day, June 25, 1876 and of the men who fought and died on both sides. As he finished and asked if anyone had questions, my son raised his hand and was asked to stand up. He asked, "What are those women doing to that man on the ground?" The Ranger smiled and answered, "That's Custer and those women were gouging out his ears with leather awls."
My son was shocked. "But why?" he asked.
The Ranger smiled and answered, "So he could hear better in his next life."
Before Jonathan could ask him another question the Ranger said, "Your father will explain this to you, son."
When we got outside we sat down under a shade tree and I explained the virtues of "truth" and keeping your word to people.
"Custer had paid dearly for his lies, deceit, and murder over the years. The Lakota Sioux people admired and respected him as a warrior. However, they hated him more for what he had done to their people and the horrible ways he had done it. By clearing his ears he would be able to hear and listen to people better in his next life."
"So, I'm not supposed to lie?"
"That's right, Jon. Even if the truth hurts you, don't lie...ever."
He looked at me and I knew what was coming.
"Have you ever lied?" he asked.
I took a deep breath, sighed, and looked at him.
"Yes, I have. And, every time I lied I paid a tremendous price for it. So, don't do it."
My son wanted a souvenir so we headed for the gift shop inside the Amphitheatre. As we were leaving I stopped in front of the wall outside and was reading what was emblazoned on the wall. I’d read it many times over the years. Jonathan asked what it said.
"I'll explain it you," I answered. "When the battle was over, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, and Black Elk, a Peace Chief, were discussing what they should do next. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse wanted to chase the rest of the soldiers and kill them all. Black Elk argued that was a bad idea because if they did it the White Man would come back and kill all of their people. Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull still wanted to go after them. Frustrated, Black Elk turned to the battle field and raised his arms to the sky.
"Look out there," he said. "Those are the bodies of many brave warriors on both sides. Go if you must but remember what you see here and, (this is what's written on the wall)...KNOW THE POWER THAT IS PEACE."
Jonathan remained pretty quiet until we were in the car getting ready to leave when he asked, "So, what does all that mean, Dad?"
I choked up a little and my eyes welled up.
"Jon, it means…Freedom isn't free and there's always someone who will try to take freedom from those who have it. It costs a lot of lives to remain free. So, my son, remember this day and...KNOW THE POWER THAT IS PEACE."
When Jon was 30, he called me to talk about 9-11. He told me he couldn't go and fight because of his bad knees. However, he did say, "I guess Osama and his boys are going to find out what the power of peace is all about now."
It's amazing what sticks with kids, isn't it?
