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Hershel “Woody” Williams was the last surviving WWII Medal of Honor recipient. The Marine died in July at the age of 98. He received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman for action on Iwo Jima. Corporal Williams risked his live above and beyond the call of duty over a four-hour period clearing enemy emplacements with a flame thrower. At times, he moved against the enemy alone. His actions allowed the Marine forces to advance.*
Over the years, Williams has received honor in multiple ways. The Marine Corp shares his story with each new generation of soldiers. He received several honors from his home state of West Virginia. Following his death, the Senator from his state eulogized him on the Senate floor. Williams’ flag-draped casket also lay in the Capitol Rotunda on July 14 as family, service members and government leaders paid their respect.*
These honors help us understand Exodus 20:12. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (NIV) Besides seeing the way Woody Williams was honored, consider the following synonyms for the word honor: Admire, appreciate, celebrate, commemorate, praise, look up to, live up to, be faithful to. These are the ways to treat our parents. God promises long life to those who honor their father and mother.
*”Hershel W. Williams,” Wikipedia, last updated July 15, 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hershel_W._Williams#Medal_of_Honor_citation
*Doug Cunningham, “‘Woody’ Williams, last WWII Medal of Honor recipient, lies in honor at U.S. Capitol,” UPI News, July 14, 2022, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/woody-williams-last-wwii-medal-of-honor-recipient-lies-in-honor-at-us-capitol/ar-AAZzsWA
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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.