Today in the U.S. we honor the veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice and died for our country in the military. It is an important day of remembrance.
Earlier this month, at the Global Media Summit, I had the honor of shaking the hand of Orville Rogers who is 99 years young. He trained pilots in World War II, flew the B-36 airplane (aka “The Peacemaker”) on secret missions during the Korean conflict, then flew for Braniff Airways for 30 years. When he retired he and his wife spent over a year as missionaries in Tanzania.
What he is most famous for today is that he holds multiple world records for ru
nning…in the 90-99 year old age group. Last Summer he set the mark for the 1500 meter run in 16:35. Here’s the thing…he started running when he was 50 years old! Ran his first marathon six years later. Since then he’s run over 42,000 miles.
He is also the author of The Running Man:Flying High for the Glory of God.
We salute you!
Enjoy this three minute interview with him in March. In it you can see him winning the 60 meter dash against his 92 year old rival. (Orville is in the yellow shoes.)
Thank you for this, Steve. We owe so much to men and women, who, like Mr. Rogers, put their bodies and lives between us and our enemies.
If I may, I’d like to offer this poem by Major Michael O/Donnell:
If you are able,
save them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.
Major Michael Davis O’Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Major O’Donnell was listed MIA after a flight into Cambodia on March 24, 1970. Hos remains were recovered over twenty years later, and he was buried at Arlington.
Beautiful reply. Brought me to tears.
Thank you for sharing about Orville Rogers. What an inspiration!
Thank you Steve. What an inspirational man, not stopped by anything. Reminds me of Isaiah 54:17 -no weapon formed against you shall prevail -and Isaiah 40:28-31.
God bless for sharing his story. His devotion, heroism, blessings, and …. ! running!
Everyone who has given their life in the service of our Lord, may we remember them, and those who have given their lives in the service of the military under the strong oath, which ends with ‘SO HELP ME GOD.’
-Cindy
author of (hoping to be published) How to Steal a Romance