Meaning

"What is the point of prolonging a life that apathy has turned into premature death."

Francis Bacon

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"I pledge allegiance¡¦"

Squatting on the floor, in a dimly lit corner of his barracks, Lieutenant Mike Christian quietly sewed an American flag on the inside of his shirt. Mikes eyes were almost completely swollen shut. His bruises and injuries were so severe that he was barely able to maintain consciousness. The bamboo needle in his bleeding hands was rock-steady¡¦

"¡¦to the flag¡¦"

Mike was a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, and up until recently had spent many years in solitary confinement, with minimal contact with his fellow prisoners and absolutely no contact from his beloved America.

"¡¦ to the United States of America¡¦"

Yes, like most of the prisoners around him, he had been tortured and brutalized, his bones had been broken, his joints dislocated but the love and faith in his country, his God, his cause, and his fellow prisoners remained intact and as strong as ever.

"¡¦ and to the republic for which it stands¡¦"

Recent changes in treatment were much welcomed by the prisoners. They were moved out of solitary confinement and into 30 man prison barracks. They were allowed mail and packages¡¦ occasionally.

Mike, the happy recipient of a package from home, was grateful to his family for the new handkerchiefs and socks, but particularly for the Bamboo Needle!

"¡¦ one nation under God ¡¦"

Mike hit upon the idea of sewing an American Flag on this inside of his shirt almost at once! Hidden by day while he wore it, the flag could be displayed prominently when desired to bolster the moral and patriotism of his fellow prisoners.

"¡¦Indivisible¡¦"

Mike had soon fashioned a magnificent flag. Each day before their mid-day bowl of soup, he would hang his shirt against the wall, and all would recite the Pledge of Allegiance. It was an emotional experience! Bringing all to tears frequently! A renewal of faith, a reminder that their suffering had meaning! A re-affirmation of their noble and magnificent cause...

"with liberty¡¦"

And then he got caught.

To demonstrate their displeasure at Mike's flagrant act of patriotism, his captives tortured him. Hour after hour they beat him without mercy or pity. All Mike could do was hang-on; cling to precarious life.

Alas it was over. Barely conscious; bleeding and swollen, he was thrown, without particular ceremony back into his cell, and into the caring and appreciative hands of his fellow prisoners.

They rendered what first aid they could. And then, within just a few moments of his returning¡¦

Squatting on the floor, in a dimly lit corner of his barracks, Lieutenant Mike Christian quietly sewed an American flag on the inside of his shirt¡¦

"¡¦and justice for all."

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The story of Lieutenant Mike Christian is more than the story of patriotic fervor, although Mike truly embodied such conviction. Indeed, Mike's singleness of purpose and faith demonstrate the power of "meaning".

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"How can I use this experience?
What is the purpose to my suffering?"
Captain Gerald Coffee
U.S. Navy Retired (ex-POW).

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Mike and his fellow POWs found meaning to their suffering in order to survive. They realized, from the depths of their despair, that suffering without reason soon makes life not worth living. Contrary, when suffering has meaning, it becomes a source of unearthly power! It ennobles! It bolsters and strengthens the spirit! It hardens the will and forges the heart in iron!

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"In our most desperate hour, when all hope seems lost, we find, deep within our souls, the limitless power of God. For we have never been alone."

T. Desrosier

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Note: Mike's inspiring act was the topic of a speech by his fellow prisoner, Senator John S. McCain, a POW in North Vietnam for almost six years. Thank you Senator McCain for inspiring me, not only with Mike's story, but with your own sterling example of courage.

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"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Tom Desrosier
Copyright 2000 T. G. Desrosier