The ultimate sacrifice

[Sir Edward]

I was reading this article:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1369216/Japan-nuclear-crisis-Fukushima-Fifty-pictures-inside-nuclear-power-plant.html

... and where it discusses the "Fukushima Fifty" (the 200 or so workers who are working shifts in the damaged nuclear plants to get the situation under control), I came to this line:

"Five are believed to have already died and 15 are injured while others have said they know the radiation will kill them."

This sort of bravery in these kinds of conditions was also seen in the Chernobyl incident, which was far worse in terms of the radiation released. The Fukushima reactors are of a much better design, and are incapable of the same kind of meltdown that Chernobyl experienced. However, inside the plant itself, radiation levels are elevated and these workers are staying at great personal risk.

I've had to ask myself if I would do the same thing. Stay and get the job done, despite the danger. The answer is, I don't know. I hope I would. It's easy to say that sitting here safely at a desk on the other side of the planet.

But in any case, I salute these men and women who are facing danger with dignity and grace.

[Sir Patrick]

A true example of knightly behavior if ever there was one.

[Sir William]

It is a perfect example of rising to meet the need- a knightly aspect.  I don't know that I could do as they are doing...and having worked in the nuclear field previously, I know exactly what it is they face.  Would I have done as they did?  As you said, Sir Edward, I do not know either, but I hope I would.

As intelligent beings, we know we live a finite life, but we do not know the exact date and time of our demise- not unless something external forces our awareness toward it, like this, or say a bout with cancer.  These people are staring death down for the good of their countrymen, they are true heroes, knights even.  We all have the capacity for greatness...but not all of us bother to indulge in it, whether from fear or some other cause...

[Sir Wolf]

giving ones self for others and thy country. the true meaning of selfishness and selflessness

[Sir Brian]

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13

Funny how people of different beliefs and denominations squabble and argue about the merits of their faith, but when you come right down to it that passage is the very essence of Christ’s teachings. I personally look forward to meeting those very fine "friends" who have already gone home ahead of me.

[Joshua Santana]

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13

Yep, I agree on that all the way!

The ultimate sacrifice to me is the selfless sacrifice of life and limb to a greater cause whether it may range from fighting for freedom, saving an innocent life from imminent harm, or even taking the fatal blow for a loved one.

That is not the ultimate sacrifice, but a great example of Chivalry.