Crimean War Heroes Honored by Queen Victoria
After the Crimean War, a great celebration was held in London to honor the heroes wounded in battle. Queen Victoria was present to give out the medals. Some of the soldiers appeared with empty sleeves, some came on crutches, and some had bandaged foreheads. To each she gave the same sweet smile and the same high award. At last, a terribly maimed soldier was brought before the Queen on a litter. His arms and legs were gone. He had sacrificed even more than the rest. At the sight of him the Queen, with tears streaming down her cheeks, stepped forward and
pinned a medal on his uniform. Then stooping down, she kissed his brow and said with great emotion, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
From a sermon by K. Edward Skidmore, Overcomers and their great reward, 12/14/2009