Brave Chaplain Runs Into Burning Notre-Dame to Save Priceless Relics
As the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris burst into flames, the world watched helplessly; shocked and saddened about the history and art that was being lost. Meanwhile, one man jumped to attention and tried to salvage the irreplaceable.
A French chaplain namedJean-Marc Fournier, who serves with the Paris Fire Brigade, ran into the burning cathedral and was able to rescue the Blessed Sacrament and the Crown of Thorns before they too were lost in the flames.
"Father Fournier is an absolute hero," a member of the emergency services said. "He showed no fear at all as he made straight for the relics inside the cathedral, and made sure they were saved. He deals with life and death every day, and shows no fear."
Fournier insists on accompanying the Paris Fire Brigade into Notre-Dame, risking
This is not the first time Fournier has risked his own life for the greater good.
In 2004, he served with the armed forces in Afghanistan as a chaplain, surviving a deadly ambush.
Fournier also bravely ventured the Bataclan music venue in Paris in 2015, after ISIS killed 89 people during an Eagles of Death Metal concet, to pray for those who had lost their lives and comfort those who were injured and grieving.
The items he saved from Notre Dame this week are priceless. The Crown of Thorns has been in Paris for almost 800 years now, and thanks to Fournier, it still remains.
A few other priceless artifacts were preserved, including the three iconic Rose stained glass windows from the 13th century and the Great Organ.
While the destruction at the Notre Dame is no doubt devastating, the stories of people rising in the face of tragedy and doing what they can remains so inspirational for all of us.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.