We were just coming into the community of Rodanthe, home of the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station when I spied the small painted sign pointing to the station.
I had heard of this community although I had never been there. Nights in Rodanthe, starring Richard Gere, tells a love story set in this beautiful community. Set along the sandy shoals of this small shoreline community the viewer is introduced to the raw beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and its turbulent waters.
More than a movie, Chicamacomico is more famously known for an international rescue when 42 men were saved from the English tanker Mirlo after it was torpedoes by the Germans.
The year was 1918.
On that day, the station keeper of Chicamacomico Life Saving Station rallied his men and and ordered them to launch the surfboat into the roiling waters in an effort to save the seamen. The mates were accustomed to following their leader whenever and wherever he ordered them to go.
However, one of the rescuers above the roaring wind shouted, "Cap'n we can't do this..we all be kilt!"
The captain shouted above their objections and the howling winds with words that are now considered to be the secondary motto of the United States Coast Guard.
"Boys, the book says we gotta go out...book don't say nothin' 'bout comin' back!"
Talk about risk...talk about laying it all on the line...talk about going for broke, this phrase says it all.
There is no regard for a safe return. The only concern is search, save and rescue.
I am heading off to worship with my friends and family in a few minutes. I want to be a part of a worshiping community that is more concerned with search and rescue than safety and security.
"Boys, the book says we gotta go out...
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