September 17, 2014 (Wednesday)
Ninety-eight years ago today, the Red Baron claimed his first victory in the air during World War 1. On September 17, 1916, German combat pilot, Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (2 May 1892 – 21 April 1918) shot down an Allied plane, the first of 80 for the pilot.
You may have become familiar with The Red Baron through Charles Shultz’ comic strip, “Peanuts,” and the beagle named Snoopy, who piloted his dog house as a Sopwith Camel (British plane in WW1) in battles with the famous ace. Eventually, Shultz played down the war scenes with Snoopy because “war just isn’t funny.”
From accounts of those who knew him well, The Red Baron was not known for a sense of humor. Neither was he excessively emotional. They say he was a calm, collected precise leader of men and he had a calculated approach to battles.
He was born into an aristocratic family of barons, and had his plane painted red; hence the name, “Red Baron.”
On the day following his 80th victory, he was shot down at the age of 25. His years in the air had earned him the respect of his own countrymen and his enemies as well. Allied air officers gave him a full military funeral. Allied squadrons stationed nearby presented memorial wreaths, one of which was inscribed with the words, “To Our Gallant and Worthy Foe.”
The people returning home from war usually don’t like to talk about their experiences in battle. That’s because it’s painful to remember most of what happened. We honor our veterans, extolling honor, loyalty and devotion to duty, and we can never do this enough. Many have come home to more pain and suffering as a result of wounds that cannot be healed, because limbs have been lost and minds have been assaulted. It is no exaggeration to say, “War is hell.”
The story of the Red Baron being honored by his enemies is rare.
Jesus was not honored by those who had him crucified. In life they hated him and tried every trick they knew to discredit him in the eyes of the public. Their tactics backfired, and they found themselves looking ridiculous before the crowds. So they killed Jesus. No doubt they rejoiced when he died. They thought it was over. But it wasn’t. He rose from the dead. Angels announced his victory over death. His disciples were overwhelmed by the presence of their risen Lord. Empowered by his spirit, they went forth to win the world to faith in him. Some of his enemies repented and believed, and we thank God for that. But most continued to oppose him and his followers. There will always be two groups: those who reject Christ and those who accept Him. To which do you belong today?