Reminding us that some immigrants add to the strength of the United States

Dale F. writes:

When so much of what we hear about immigration is grim and sordid, it is heartening to be reminded that there are immigrants who contribute to our country’s greatness. The story is about Ukrainian-born U.S. Navy pilot Miroslav “Steve” Zilberman who after one engine went out on his four man plane during a return from a mission in Afghanistan to their aircraft carrier kept the craft steady long enough for the three others to bail out safely, but then lost his own life.

It’s also good to know that there are yet newspaper reporters who can tell a story succinctly and gracefully.

P.S.: And as the moving words of the Navy Hymn (posted in a comment to the story) remind us, America is—or at least was—in its essence a Christian nation:

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!

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walked’st on the foaming deep,
And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea!

O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger’s hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe’er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

God rest and farewell Shipmate.

Posted by Lawrence Auster at April 14, 2010 11:11 AM | Send