Mary the pigeon

Wording of this Handout:

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This is the story of a pigeon called Mary. She was one of the bravest pigeons to ever fly.

She served with the National Pigeon Service during the Second World War.

On one of her flights she was attacked by a hawk. She fell, wounded and bleeding to the ground and waited until she was strong enough to fly again. When she was able to flap her wings she made it to home base, with her message attached to a broken leg, but with her neck and breast ripped open.

She was nursed back to health and flew again. This time her mission took her through enemy fire. She was hit three times in her body and part of her wing was shot away, but she kept going.

Later, during a bombing raid, she and some other pigeons were blasted, but she alone survived.

On another flight she was found in a field, badly wounded. She was taken back to her owner, who nursed her carefully until she could fly again, but for a while she had to wear a collar to keep her head in place until her neck healed.

Mary was admired by many, and honoured for her great determination courage, and bravery.

We can draw a good lesson from Mary's example. If we are Christians we must be strong and keep going through many trials and difficulties if we are to receive the great rewards which Jesus has waiting for us.