One of my greatest heroes is a man named Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Joshua Chamberlain was a thirty-four year old college professor who volunteered during the American Civil War to join the Union Army. He became the Colonel of the 20th Maine regiment. On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 20th Maine was positioned at the far left of the entire Union line which was a critical position. Early in the day a Colonel Vincent had placed them there saying, "Whatever you do, you can't let them (the Confederates) come through here." Chamberlain understood the great responsibility that had been given to him. If the Confederates got through his regiment they would have the high ground and they would win. The Confederates charged. Again and again they came and things were not looking good. The 20th had suffered many casualties and was running low on ammunition. Another charge was coming. Looking back on this moment Chamberlain said "I knew I may die, but I also knew that I would not die with a bullet in my back. I would not die in retreat. I am, at least, like the apostle Paul who wrote, 'This one thing I do, I press toward the mark.' The charge came and the 20th managed to push them back again. At this point Chamberlain's brother, Tom, appeared and Chamberlain asked if they could extend the line. Tom responded, "There's nothing to extend. More than half our men are down." One of the soldiers shouted, "They're forming up right now. And they've been reinforced." Chamberlain ordered one of his men to gather all the ammunition from the dead and wounded. "We did that last time, sir," the man replied. "Maybe we should think about pulling out." "We will not be pulling out" Chamberlain said. "Here they come!" Tom shouted. "Do something! Give an order!" "Fix bayonets!" Chamberlain shouted. Everyone stared at him. "Execute a great right wheel of the entire regiment!" One of the soldiers asked another what that meant. "He means to charge. A great right wheel is an all-out charge." Facing overwhelming odds the 20th charged down the hill yelling "Charge! Charge! Charge!" The Confederates were confused as to what was happening and began to run away. Soon Chamberlain and his eighty men had captured over four hundred enemy soldiers.
Joshua Chamberlain is a hero to me because in the face of insurmountable danger and certain defeat he did not back down. His stubborn courage ultimately won the war and is still impacting all our lives today. I choose to be like him. I will not back down. I will hold my ground no matter what foes fight against me. God is my strength. With Him I can win.
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