In a touching tribute to a fallen hero, a group of young boys rescued from a perilous cave in Thailand have chosen to honor the memory of a Navy SEAL diver who tragically lost his life during their rescue mission by becoming novice monks.
The boys, part of a local football team known as the Wild Boars, faced an unimaginable 18 days trapped inside the Tham Luang cave, surrounded by rising floodwaters. Their coach, along with 12 boys aged between 11 and 16, were saved thanks to the valiant efforts of divers, including Saman Kunan, who was instrumental in placing oxygen tanks in the treacherous cave. Sadly, Kunan succumbed to exhaustion when he ran out of air while on duty.
After the boys were deemed strong enough to hear the heartbreaking news about Kunan’s death, many were overcome with emotion. To honor his sacrifice, the boys and their young coach participated in a Buddhist ordination ceremony where they were shaved bald and spent nine days in a monastery, a revered tradition in Thailand for those who have faced adversity, as reported by BBC News. One of their teammates, Christian named Max, opted for a church ceremony instead.
The ordination was intended as a “spiritual cleansing,” allowing the boys to remember Kunan and the bravery he displayed while risking his life for theirs. Thai Navy SEALs praised Kunan, describing him as a gifted athlete and a dedicated member of their unit, who remained connected with fellow divers even after leaving the service. “His effort and determination will always remain in the hearts of all divers,” they stated.
Seewad Sompiangjai, the grandfather of one of the boys, remarked, “They should spend time in a monastery. It’s for their protection. It’s like they died but now have been reborn.” This practice is a significant honor in Thai culture, and the boys are likely to cherish this experience for the rest of their lives.
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In summary, the boys from the Wild Boars football team have turned their harrowing experience into a poignant tribute to a brave diver. By becoming novice monks, they not only honor Kunan’s memory but also embrace a path of reflection and gratitude, solidifying their bond and resilience.