Memorial Day

Memorial Day for many means the beginning of Summer. To others, a day off to shop. But, as I am sure you really know Memorial Day is a day to honor those who have died in the service of this country. There are men and women who have died so that you and I could live with greater security, justice and peace. May these fallen soldiers rest in Peace. We owe them a debt of gratitude and our prayers. In a secondary sense we can also honor those today who currently serve in the military since they have placed their lives on the line for our security and peace. God bless them all and may the dead rest in peace.

The Love of one’s country (Patriotism) is related to the fourth commandment. The Catechism teaches: It is the duty of citizens to contribute  to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity and freedom. The love and service of one’s country follow from the the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. (CCC # 2239) The Lord himself makes it plain: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13).

Pray for our fallen soldiers of every generation. Perhaps you might use this video as a way to meditate on the sacrifices they made. Here the text of the song “Mansions of the Lord” and the video follows:

To fallen soldiers let us sing,
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing,
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord

No more weeping,
No more fight,
No prayers pleading  through the night,
Just Divine embrace,
Eternal light,
In the Mansions of the Lord

Where no mothers cry
And no children weep,
We shall stand and guard
Though the angels sleep,
Oh, through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord