Famed Bible Recovered from Omaha Beach Now in Memorial Collection

27 Nov

Posted at 15:42h in Media Center by Angela Lynch

With great honor and gratitude, the National D-Day Memorial Foundation announces the Bible carried by Raymond Hoback, found by a soldier on Omaha Beach on June 7, 1944, is now part of the Memorial’s permanent artifact collection. Lucille Hoback Boggess, who lost brothers Raymond and Bedford on D-Day, presented the cherished family heirloom to Foundation President & CEO April Cheek-Messier during a private meeting earlier this month.

Lucille Hoback Boggess holding a photo of her brother Raymond and the Bible he carried on D-Day

“We are so honored that the family has decided to entrust us with this precious gift,” said April Cheek-Messier, president of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation. “I have known Lucille all my life, and the story of Raymond’s Bible still brings tears to my eyes. It is a story that resonates with our visitors who often become emotional when they hear about this unthinkable loss and a mother and father who clung to their last tangible connection to her son – the very Bible they had given him.”

The events of D-Day, June 6, 1944, devastated the small community of Bedford, Virginia. Nineteen local men of Company A, 116th Regiment, 29th Division died on Omaha Beach along with another man from Company F, all likely killed in the first hour of the invasion of Normandy. Among those twenty men were two brothers, Bedford and Raymond Hoback.

Nearly six weeks after D-Day, on Sunday, July 16, the parents and siblings of the Hoback brothers were preparing for church when they heard a knock at the door. The local sheriff had come to deliver a telegram to John and Macie Hoback informing them their son Bedford had been killed in action. The anguished family received a second telegram the following day, with the news Raymond was missing in action. The Army would eventually confirm Raymond’s death, although his body has not been recovered and identified to this day.

In early August 1944, John and Macie Hoback received a package from a West Virginia soldier, Harold Crayton of the 453rd Amphibian Truck Company. Inside was the black leatherbound Bible Mrs. Hoback gave Raymond for Christmas in 1938. Crayton explained in a letter he picked up the Bible from the beach to keep it safe. Crayton addressed the package to Mr. & Mrs. J.S. Hoback Bedford, Va., after finding their names and address written on the family register page.

Crayton returned the Bible, “…knowing you no doubt would want the book returned… I am sending it knowing that most Bibles are a book to be cherished.” His letter expressed sympathy and hopefulness, “You have by now received a letter from your son saying he is well. I sincerely hope so.” Unaware of the fate of Raymond, still less could Crayton have known there were two brothers of the Hoback family to fall that day.

In the decades following D-Day, the story of Raymond Hoback and his recovered Bible would become known internationally. For the account in Alex Kershaw’s bestselling history The Bedford Boys, Lucille told the author, “My mother always treasured the Bible so much. She said that next to her son, she would have wanted to have his Bible.” The story inspired Death on Shore, one of the evocative sculptures at the National D-Day Memorial. The piece features an unnamed soldier at the water’s edge, a lost Bible beside him as he breathes his last breath. Lucille loaned Raymond’s Bible to sculptor Jim Brothers, to use as the model for the Bible in the sculpture. Tens of thousands of Memorial visitors see the sculpture and hear the story of the Hoback brothers each year.

“We will continue to cherish the Bible and use it to teach the lessons and preserve the legacy of D-Day so that new generations will understand the true meaning of sacrifice in preserving our freedom,” said Cheek-Messier.

Lucille Hoback Boggess, sister of Raymond Hoback, presenting the Bible he carried on D-Day to April Cheek-Messier, NDDMF President & CEO

With the Bible, the family also donated Crayton’s letter and the telegram informing Raymond was missing in action, both original, to the Memorial’s collection. The three artifacts will be on exhibit together inside the Memorial’s Fleda A. Ring Education Quonset Hut and someday inside the Memorial’s planned education center. In the early years of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, Lucille Hoback Boggess served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Famed Bible Recovered from Omaha Beach Now in Memorial Collection

1. Phelps Lake

There are three reasons to set your alarm and head to Phelps Lake early. First, to arrive at the Laurence Rockefeller Preserve parking lot before it fills up, which can happen as early as 8:30 am in the busy summer months. Second, to allow yourself plenty of time to hike the mile and a half to the lake. And third, to be on the water for an excellent morning bite. Phelps Lake is home to voracious cutthroat trout that feed on the surface during the morning hours and become less active as the hot afternoon approaches. Bring your favorite five-weight rod as the cutthroat trout in this glacial lake typically range from twelve to fifteen inches.

Fly Recommendations: Stimulators & Chubby Chernobyls.

2. Upper Gros Ventre River

Sunset glows over the upper Gros Ventre river and a Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat.

While the Gros Ventre River is a tributary of the Snake River, most of the fishing pressure occurs in the lower section. Starting from the Gros Ventre Campground upstream to the "Kelly Cliffs" area and beyond offers beautiful fly-fishing opportunities for adventurous anglers. During the summer months, trout will eagerly devour terrestrial insects in this section of the river, offering some of the most exciting hopper-dropper fishing in Grand Teton. The Gros Ventre flows through both private and public lands, so it's important to do your research before heading out to fish.

Fly Recommendations: Foam Body Salmon Flies & Chubby Chernobyls for your hoppers, bead-head Pheasant Tail & purple Duracell nymphs for your droppers.

3. Lake Solitude

The out-and-back hike to Lake Solitude is approximately sixteen and a half miles and will reward you with one of the best alpine fishing experiences in Grand Teton National Park. Expect to hike through a stunning canyon with several alpine waterfalls, vibrant patches of native wildflowers, and views of the immense peaks of the Teton mountain range. Although the hike is notably long, the beautiful and hungry cutthroat trout in the lake make it well worth the effort. Fishing is most productive in the morning and evening, with some success in the afternoon. Bring extra water and bear spray for this backcountry fly-fishing adventure.

Fly Recommendations: Pretty much whatever you have in your fly box. Hopper Droppers with medium/small Chubby Chernobyls & purple Duracell nymphs have worked great here.

Cutthroat CO-OP

We are proud of our partnership with WorldCast Anglers, a local Grand Teton National Park fly fishing outfitter and concessionaire. WorldCast created a line of Cutthroat CO-OP merchandise based on the iconic Snake River trout. The gear covers all the basics to look good on and off the river, with an array of hats, T-shirts, hoodies, and more.

A portion of proceeds from all Cutthroat CO-OP merchandise sales will support Grand Teton National Park Foundation's native fish conservation program. Visit WorldCast's website to learn more about the company and the Cutthroat CO-OP collection, and stop by their shop in Victor, Idaho (or call 1-800-654-0676) to get some gear before it is gone!

We'd like to extend our thanks to the entire team at WorldCast for their incredible support and all they do to steward the Snake River watershead and protect native fish.

Grand Teton National Park Foundation has been supporting the park for several years with native cutthroat trout conservation efforts. From restoring fish passage to natal streams to funding underwater video cameras to track population dynamics, visit this page to see our contributions to this initiative.

The post appeared first on Grand Teton National Park Foundation | Jackson, WY.

2024-05-10

How to Show Military Caregivers You Appreciate Them

5.5 Million caregivers support our Nation’s service members, yet caregivers’ challenges and sacrifices often go unnoticed. In many ways, these selfless individuals are the backbone of our country’s military services, as they help service members navigate life during and after a tour or career. As May is Military Appreciation Month and Month of the Military Caregiver, you have an ideal opportunity to support them. Let’s explore some reputable organizations dedicated to aiding caregivers (with informational resources and military flight deals) and how your donations can make a difference for them.

Luke’s Wings is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency travel planning services and airplane tickets for the families and loved ones of wounded, ill, and injured service members, Veterans, and fallen officers during hospital recovery and rehabilitation. Our work helps active service members and Veterans maintain crucial connections in their lives. Call us at (512) 971-9748 to give back with complimentary plane tickets.

Below, we list several organizations through which you can show military caregivers your appreciation:

Operation Frontline Families

Operation Frontline Families (formerly Caregivers on the Homefront) provides support services and resources to military families caring for wounded service members. Their offerings include mental health therapy, counseling services, and management support to help ease the burden on these dedicated individuals. Your donations can help military caregivers access the necessary resources to care for their loved ones and themselves.

Elizabeth Dole Foundation

Committed to empowering and supporting military caregivers, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation works through various initiatives and programs. It provides education, advocacy, and community-building opportunities for caregivers nationwide. By donating to their foundation, you can help raise awareness about the challenges military caregivers face and help them receive the support they deserve.

Fisher House Foundation

The Fisher House Foundation operates a network of comfort homes where military families can stay without cost while their military loved ones receive medical treatment. These homes provide a supportive environment for caregivers, allowing them to focus on caring for their injured or ill loved one without worrying about lodging expenses. Your donations can help fund the operation of these homes and ensure military caregivers have a place to stay during challenging times.

National Military Family Association

Finally, the National Military Family Association offers a range of programs and services designed to support military families, including caregiver support resources. They provide scholarships, benefits information, and advocacy efforts to improve military families’ livelihoods nationwide. By donating to this organization, you can help military caregivers gain access to vital resources that lighten their load and improve their well-being.

Gift Complimentary Military Flight Deals with Luke’s Wings

Military caregivers deserve recognition for their selfless dedication and sacrifices. By donating to organizations like Luke’s Wings, you can show appreciation for these unsung heroes and make a tangible impact on their lives. Your contributions can help provide military flight deals to our Nation’s Heroes when they need it most. Call us at (512) 971-9748 to gift complimentary military flights to a caregiver.

May 10, 2024 • Share

2024-08-16

You and the Lord of Hosts

Aug 16, 2024

Over 200 times, the Old Testament describes God as the Lord of hosts. David used this term more than anyone, and with good reason. David said, “The Lord of hosts is with me.” The Word of God is true—trust it more than anything else. Believe me when I tell you that your Good Father is much closer than you think. Believe that He is more committed than you think. And believe that God is more ambitious than you think.

Believe in God’s mighty Word. At times, you may have problems with words. You may get into disputing other people’s words. Did you ever hear anyone call someone else a liar? It is easy not to have a lot of confidence in people’s words. However, your mistrust of others will desensitize you to the words of God, so when you hear His words, you don’t trust them as you should. Before you go to sleep at night, let the last words that go into your spirit be the words of God. David declared: “The Lord of hosts is with us” (Psalm 46:11, KJV). In Hebrew, the word host means “an army ready and poised for battle.” David also said, “I am kept. The Lord keeps me.” The word kept in Hebrew means “to hedge about as with thorns, to guard, to protect, to attend to.”

What is God saying to you today? Can you hear Him? Listen, He is saying, “Will you allow Me to be the Lord of hosts in your life?” Many Christians do not have a philosophy by which they live—no objectives or goals. One positive thing I can say about my life is that I am focused. When God tells me to do something, nothing in this world can persuade me not to do it. Why is that important? Because many people miss the blessings of God by allowing themselves to be distracted. They stop focusing on God and turn their attention to something else.

Encourage yourself in the Lord. In 1 Samuel 30:6, we read that although David was greatly distressed, he encouraged himself in the Lord. Let me ask you this: Who says we must depend upon each other for encouragement? The world around us is totally co-dependent; it knows nothing of the Good Father’s Word and His ability to encourage and strengthen us. There is a dynamic truth in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His word that you learn when you are discouraged. Let me give you an example: When you die, I can’t do anything about it. No one can carry you through the valley of the shadow of death, except Jesus. This is a private matter between you and Him. You can reach out to people for support, but there is a great difference in having a support system and being co-dependent. Encourage yourself in the Lord.

Ephesians 3:16 says, “That he would grant YOU, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.” Verse 20 says, “Now unto HIM that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us” (capitalization added). One of the main reasons some Christians live in continual defeat is because they are ignorant regarding the sovereignty of Christ. They have not developed an intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ. They do not walk and talk with Him. How can you encourage yourself in the Lord? The only way is to spend time with Him.

You cannot be encouraged in the Lord if you are not nurturing your relationship with Him. You encourage yourself when you are walking with the Lord. If you are going to walk in the kingdom of God on a daily basis, you cannot make the church or any individual your source. You cannot make your wife or your husband your source. No one can be your source but the Lord. If you make the Lord your Source, you will have a breakthrough. Encourage yourself.

Show Your Support By Giving Now

2024-07-19

Art Expressions Art Exhibit – September 20

From September 1 – 30, ADRC’s Art Expression Art Exhibit will be displayed at the Islip Arts Council Gallery in the South Shore Mall in Bay Shore. A Reception for dignitaries, artists, and their families will be held on Friday, September 20 from 1 – 3pm at the Gallery. All are welcome to join us as we celebrate our Artists and their memories. Over 100 pieces of artwork will be displayed from 20 different organizations serving those impacted by dementia on Long Island. Please join us.

2024-07-22

Brianna’s Story

I had a complicated childhood, where my biological dad wasn’t around and I never felt like I fit in with my mom and my stepdad. We were just so different. I spent so much energy trying to fit in that I ended up in codependent unhealthy relationships. My drug addiction started when I met my daughter’s father and continued through trauma and losing custody. I was so sick every time I tried to quit, that I ended right back in the only thing I knew. I wanted to get out, and stay out of this horrible life, but I didn’t know how.

When I walked through the doors of MnTC, everything changed. I felt real compassion and belonging for the first time in my life. I didn’t even know that people could feel this way about me when I had done so many terrible things in my addiction. I graduated from the long-term program and then spent another year in TCLI (Leadership Institute). I also have restoration with my daughter. Now, I pay the compassion and love that saved my life, forward. I run a sober house for women in Little Falls and am working as a diversion representative, helping other women get their lives back on track. I provide them with grace and encouragement and show them how God can change their lives, the way he changed mine.