More than a hundred years ago, a terrible war was fought. Because so many countries were fighting, it was called “World War I.”
During those difficult days, many soldiers fought for their countries. There were also many horses, dogs, and even birds that took part in the war. One feathered flyer that helped out a lot was the pigeon. Back in those days, people didn’t have cell phones to send messages like we do today. So they came up with the clever idea of using pigeons to short notes.
Pigeons are very smart birds. They are also especially good at finding their way back home from wherever they go. Once people figured this out, they started training “homing pigeons” to carry little notes tied to their legs. Sometimes these pigeons were used to carry very important messages. That’s exactly what happened during World War I.
Cher Ami was the name of one pigeon who helped the United States Army during World War I. We don’t know what Cher Ami was called when he was a squab (that’s the pigeon name for a baby chick!). Cher Ami means “dear friend” in French. Soon you will see how he got his name!
In October of 1918, more than 500 United States soldiers found themselves completely surrounded by enemies. They were lost in a French forest, far from home. Even their own army didn’t know where they were. They were trapped, wounded, and running out of supplies. Worse yet, even their own army started to shoot at them. They needed to call for help!
Something had to be done, and done fast! The soldiers had some homing pigeons to send as messengers. They began sending the little birds up one by one. The brave little birds tried hard to make it across the battlefield with their desperate cry for help. But sadly, one by one, the brave little pigeons were shot down.
Soon, only one pigeon was left. In the middle of all the gunfire and fighting, this small homing pigeon was the last chance the soldiers had. Up, up, up, and away the faithful little pigeon flew! He flew through gunfire, he made it through poisonous gas. Though shot two times, somehow the pigeon kept on flying until he delivered his message!
The general from the United States army saw the little pigeon. He unwrapped the message and was shocked! He didn’t know there were soldiers lost in the forest. Soon a daring mission was started to rescue the trapped soldiers. Because of the hero pigeon, nearly 200 men were saved. The soldiers who who had been trapped became known as “the Lost Battalion.”
For flying so bravely flew over the enemy lines, the faithful little pigeon was given a new name. The soldiers called him “Cher Ami,” which you may remember, means “faithful friend”. Cher Ami’s determination saved the lives of many soldiers that day.
The story of Cher Ami reminds us that we too must keep trying and doing good, even when things seem impossible. Just as Cher Ami could have turned back when bullets started flying, we may sometimes feel like giving up on doing the right thing when it gets difficult. Cher Ami showed us that its possible to courageously press onward, even when things look bad. As it say in the Bible, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV)
Things to Do:
- Thank God for Cher Ami’s example of dedication and courage.
- Set a goal to do one act of kindness today, even if it’s challenging or scary at first. Remember Cher Ami’s bravery!
- Share Cher Ami’s amazing story with a friend or family member to encourage them to keep going even when things get hard.
