I first saw this as a post in Facebook. Curious to know more, I read a detailed article on a website about World War II history.
The enduring friendship that was forged during the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany between American athlete, Jesse Owens, and German athlete, Carl “Luz” Long was truly inspirational.
I highly recommend reading the full article, and especially the last letter that Luz Long wrote to Jesse Owens. It’s deeply touching and also a real testament to the truth of our oneness in spirit.
Reading and reflecting on this brought to mind a song by my friend, Greg Tamblyn (I mentioned him a while back in my blog post about “Unconditional Love”).
Titled “One Day On The Fields of France,” it’s based on a true story from World War I, and conveys a beautiful message of healing through forgiveness. At the same time it reminds us that wars and division and conflict are not our natural state.
Swami Kriyananda also put it beautifully in one of the most beloved of his songs, “Brothers”:
Then brothers, why endeavor
To set ourselves apart?
The fences we’ve been building
Squeeze tight upon our hearts!
Come sing the truth that all men are brothers!
Come sing the truth that all men are—
Brothers!
