Article April 16, 1949 Issue

A colonel's challenge inspires a chaplain to discuss true support of peace efforts

PRAYER AN IMPERATIVE DEMAND

RALPH R. BAILEY

On an Army transport returning to America recently, a small group of officers stood thoughtfully at the rail. In sharp contrast to the cheering, waving Yanks who had left their country some three years before, these passengers stood in quiet groups, silently watching the receding outlines of Europe. Finally, one of this group expressed what may have been the unhappy thought of many, "I wonder how long before what is left of our hard-won peace will be shattered in another reversal?"

The instant, vigorous reply of a colonel, who wore more battle stars than he probably would have cared to remember, might well have been to remember, might well have been addressed to all civilized citizens of the world. "All we ever won," he said in effect, "was a respite in which to fight as God would have us do for justice and genuine peace. If our world statesmen, who are earnestly striving to establish peace among nations, are supported by the affirmative, expectant prayer of every spiritually enlightened individual, their efforts will not fail."

As the only chaplain in the group, I then received direct orders, smilingly given, but taken seriously,

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