Memorial Day, for many, means the beginning of Summer. To others, it is 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.
The word “memorial” comes from the Latin Memorare which is in an imperative meaning: “Remember!” So, Memorial Day is “Remember! Day.”
This is a day to remember that 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.We will have a second opportunity to thank those who still live on Veterans Day.
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).
My Cousin, John Clem, has blogged on how his parish celebrated Memorial Day by remembering the cost, the high cost, of war in human terms: HERE: Eyes Wide Open
Never forget the price others have paid for our freedom. Pray for our fallen soldiers of every generation and their families. 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
Photo Credit above: The U.S. Army via Creative Commons
I love that video and will share it with friends. Thank you.
Yes, both the song and the pictures are very moving.
Here is a link to a great point on the flag and patriotism: A patriotic comic, brought to you by the Department of Funny
Great link! Thanks.
Msgr Pope
You are so right. Soldiers in a democracy deserve the respect and gratitude of the nation, regardless of the politics of the war. Politicians sometimes get it wrong and should be challenged (to say the least) when they do, but the soldiers who serve honourably should never be subject to ridicule or forgotten.
Thank you
I agree Kinana. But you have to start wondering if changing the draft was such a good idea. What I mean is,
maybe we wouldn’t put up with wars that are more about greed and political clout if young man had to serve.
The last war we protested as futile was Vietnam and the draft ended shortly after that.
What of the innocent and the oppressed?
I would love to know where this photo was taken. It is so moving…….. Can someone reply???
It was published in the Washington Post last year. I tried the original link I had but it did not word. But it was in the Post Magazine.