I’VE READ A LOT OF STORIES ABOUT COURAGEOUS DETERMINATION, but this one may top them all, especially in light of our observance of Veteran’s Day. It’s from Senator John McCain’s book, “Faith of Our Fathers.” It took place in a prison in North Vietnam.

Mike Christian was a Navy bombardier-navigator who had been shot down in 1967. He came from a very poor background—hadn’t even worn shoes until he was 13 years old, but he was rich in character. He enlisted in the service when he was 17 and was soon recognized as having strong leadership qualities. It wasn’t long before he was offered a commission.

POW’s weren’t allowed to receive much during those days, but Mike did, from time to time, get a package from home which contained handkerchiefs, scarves, and other clothing items. He took scraps of red and white cloth, and with a needle he fashioned from a piece of bamboo, he somehow managed to sew an American flag on the inside of his blue prisoner’s shirt. Every afternoon, before they ate their soup, they would hang that flag on the wall and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Well, one day the guards discovered Mike’s flag and confiscated it. He paid a heavy price for that flag. They took him outside and beat him severely. They punctured his eardrum and broke several ribs. And when they were done, the guards threw him back into his cell, bleeding and broken in body, but not in spirit. Before drifting off to sleep, his cell-mates happened to glance his way and couldn’t believe their eyes. There was Mike, with his eyes nearly swollen shut from the beating, with needle and thread, back at it again. By the light of a dim bulb, he was fashioning a new flag.

And who can say how much that symbol inspired the others to keep their hope and faith alive during those terrible months and years. Thank God for the vets who suffered because of freedom’s call. We honor their commitment and sacrifice for our sakes.