Learn Valuable Lessons by Watching ‘Miracle’
Animals have always played a role in military efforts during wartime. Cats were kept aboard naval ships for pest control, horses and camels provided transportation for supplies and soldiers pre-World War II, and dogs are still used to this day for search and rescue efforts as well as mine detection. But one animal profession became obsolete with the advancement of communication technology: messenger. Often used during World War I, many dogs and pigeons became responsible for delivering messages of high importance. Of all the animals used during World War I, one pigeon named Cher Ami defied the odds to save nearly 200 American soldiers. On Oct. 2, 1918, Major Charles Whittlesey got trapped along the side of a hill in Northeastern France with 550 of his men. They ended up behind enemy lines with no food or ammunition, and — to make matters worse — his battalion started to suffer from friendly fire since allied troops remained unaware of their location. With nowhere to run, Whittlesey tried to send runners to contact the allies about their predicament. Unfortunately, their enemies consistently intercepted or killed these runners until only 194 men remained. Whittlesey decided to dispatch messages by pigeon. The first pigeon got shot down almost immediately, so he sent a second pigeon with the message, “Men are suffering. Can support be sent?” That one also got shot. Finally, Whittlesey turned to his last pigeon, Cher Ami, and scribbled down a quick note on onion paper that read, “We are along the road parallel to 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heaven’s sake, stop it.” Cher Ami took flight, but even after being shot down by the Germans, the bird defied the odds and actually took flight again! The effective delivery of this message helped save 194 men, but Cher Ami did not escape unharmed. He had been shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, and had a leg hanging only by a tendon. THE STORY OF CHER AMI How One Pigeon Saved 194 American Soldiers
In February of 1980, the U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team shocked the world when they upset the Soviet Olympic team 4-3 in the semifinals of the Winter Olympics. The Soviet team had won the previous four Olympic gold medals and had defeated the Americans 10-3 in an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden three days before the beginning of the Olympics. American head coach Herb Brooks and team captain Mike Eruzione inspired their team to go undefeated in the opening round of play, forcing a rematch with the Soviets. The American victory occurred when political and military tensions were high between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. This victory proved meaningful in the Cold War’s grand scheme, though the players participating in it might not have realized it at the time. This fantastic story was immortalized in February of 2004 when Disney released the movie, “Miracle.” The film, starring Kurt Russell, explored the events involving the hockey team before and during the 1980 Winter Olympics. “Miracle” shows how Brooks built the team and persevered through challenging obstacles to help his team win the gold medal. You can learn plenty about leadership and teamwork by watching “Miracle.” Herb Brooks’ pregame speech shows how powerful words can inspire others. He states, “Great moments are born from great opportunity, and that’s what you have here tonight, boys. That’s what you’ve earned here tonight. One game; if we played them 10 times, they might win nine. But not this game, not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight we stay with them, and we shut them down because we can. Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world.” His powerful speech ignited the flame that led the Americans to victory and has been shown at sporting events worldwide during pressure situations to inspire great moments. You also learn about teamwork, as there were no true stars on the team. They were a group of college-aged amateur players who were able to compete with the greatest hockey force in the world. Without every player’s hard work and dedication, the Americans would never have made it as far as they did. One of the Greatest American Sports Stories
Army medics treated Cher Ami enough so he could travel to America, where he eventually succumbed to his wounds. The bird was then taxidermied and displayed in the Smithsonian, where you can still see him today. So, the next time you’re in Washington, D.C., stop by the “Price of Freedom” exhibit at the National Museum of American History where you can personally see this brave pigeon.
If you’re looking for an inspiring movie to watch with the family this winter, give “Miracle” a try.
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