Frequently the RNLI will be described as a family, truly it often feels like this. And every family must have a father, ours is Sir William Hillary, the founding father of the lifeboat service, Soldier, Author and Philantropist. Tommorow in Douglas, Isle of Man, there will be a memorial service to the memory of the man who died 160 years ago. His memory will never be forgotten in the RNLI. The brass memorial in his home town fittingly says, "What his wisdom planned and the power enforced, more potent still his great example showed." Indeed. His record stands for itself, he rescued 500 people and was awarded 3 RNLI Gold medals for gallantry. A beacon in the dark night..........
'Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!'
William Whiting
No comments:
Post a Comment