The 3-Point: Veterans Day, culture, and Morse code
Welcome to The 3-Point, your weekly dose of inspiration, news, and more.
Americans will attend Veterans Day ceremonies across the country today to honor the service and sacrifices of United States military veterans. Positivity Place recently published a newsletter about America’s heroes.
In reference to Christians being ambassadors of the kingdom of God, Tony Evans says, “The moment that the culture disagrees with God, you must disagree with the culture.” How are you handling your ambassadorship?
Samuel Morse quoted the Bible in his first telegraph message. Read the newsletter below to find out which Bible phrase was used by Morse on May 24, 1844.
Bastogne, Belgium
In 2007, I visited Bastogne, Belgium, a small town that holds a significant place in World War II history, particularly during the Battle of the Bulge. In December 1944, the town was surrounded by German forces, with the U.S. 101st Airborne Division, under the command of General Anthony McAuliffe, heroically holding their ground.
Two landmarks in Bastogne stand as silent sentinels to its past: an American tank and a monument dedicated to General McAuliffe.
The Tank Named "Barracuda"
In the heart of Bastogne, an M4A3(75)W Sherman tank, named "Barracuda" by its crew, sits as a monument. This tank was part of Company B, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division. Its story is one of both tragedy and preservation:
On December 30, 1944, during the relief efforts of Bastogne, "Barracuda" was disabled near Renuamont. Hit by German anti-tank weapons, it became one of the many casualties of the war, with its crew captured.
After the conflict, the tank was left in the field where it was hit. However, rather than being scrapped, it was restored and placed in Bastogne as a symbol of the town's liberation. This tank, with its visible battle scars, serves as a stark reminder of the ferocity of the Battle of the Bulge.
Positioned in what is now known as McAuliffe Square, this tank not only commemorates the 11th Armored Division's role in the battle but also represents the broader theme of liberation and the cost of freedom.
The Man Behind "Nuts!"
Beside the Sherman tank stands a bust of General Anthony C. McAuliffe, whose leadership during the siege of Bastogne became legendary:
When the Germans demanded the surrender of Bastogne, McAuliffe's response was succinct and now iconic: "Nuts!" This one-word reply has become synonymous with American resolve during WWII.
The monument to McAuliffe not only honors his command but also serves as a tribute to the resilience of the 101st Airborne Division. His leadership was instrumental in maintaining morale and defending Bastogne until relief arrived.
The monument provides an educational point for visitors, offering insights into the character and decisions that shaped the outcome of one of WWII's critical engagements.
Thank you for this great tribute to Veterans Day.