A Tribute to Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds

​I look outside and all I see is dark clouds.
I squint my eyes, hoping to see some sort of light.
As I am about to give up hope, a sudden ray of sunshine peeks through the clouds.
It seems to be leading me somewhere, so I follow it as far as I can.
 
Just as the ray begins to disappear, I look out and see a marker – a sign.
As I read the words on the sign, I am immediately transported back…
I find myself viewing life as through a movie screen…the images in black and white.
What I see ahead of me is astonishing and heroic.
 
I see Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds with a pistol to his temple.
The German Soldier is screaming at him in broken English.
Master Sergeant Edmonds is commanded to tell the Jews under his command to report.
Edmonds, instead, ordered all 1,275 POWS under his command to report.
 
“We are all Jews here.”  These were his words and what followed was tremendous bravery.
Master Sergeant Edmonds never revealed to his family his acts of bravery during that time.
No one but those 1,275 POWS, of which 300 were Jews, knew of his courage.
God was with Edmonds that day as every day.
 
Today, on Friday, August 20, 2021, his heroic acts are recognized for all to see.
Today, a monument was dedicated to Edmonds to ensure the future learns of his valor and honor.
Today, the world will know of his work to ensure the rights of all Americans.
May his shining example be one we can all learn every day.
 
May God bless anyone who chooses to do the right thing; May all of those brave souls, those righteous Gentiles who chose to love, rather than hate, be blessed and be honored.  May all of us, no matter of our religion, race or creed be blessed with kindness, love and honor.