MEMORIAL DAY
I remember a priest and his sermon about Memorial Day, and how it is different from Veterans Day. He said that Veterans Day celebrates the service of all United States military veterans, while Memorial Day honors the Fallen Heroes—those who have died while in military service. But how many people remember saying prayers for our departed heroes and their sacrifice to help preserve our freedom on Memorial Day? The priest’s sermon has stuck with me to this day. Memorial Day is indeed to remember our family, husband, wife, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, cousin, friend … who selflessly served our country, putting their lives in danger to keep people free and to help us continue to enjoy the benefits of our freedom.
Freedom is not free. I know because I have lost friends who served in war. During Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), I remember talking to comrades not knowing it would be the last time I talk to them. When I received the sad news, my world stopped turning as I began remembering my conversation with those comrades in arms a few hours ago. And the question “why” begins to pop up, along with needed answers and commitment from top leaders to end the war.
In the past, I watched volunteers place American flags at each grave site in national cemeteries, such as the Punchbowl Crater in Honolulu, Hawaii, where my loved one was buried. Now, I watch American flags waving at each grave site in Arlington Cemetery, where most of my comrades in OIF were buried. It is touching and I salute the Heroes’ grave sites. They are the reason we have time off from work on Memorial Day, to lay flowers, wreaths, and to offer prayers to thank them for their heroism.
Things are supposed to get better in time. We learn to accept our loss, and faith is a healing gift from God. We need faith to heal the wound of losing our loved ones. Finding something that helps other people is another way to move forward. Do not stay alone. Talk to someone. Join a group. Lead a group. Donate to your loved one’s favorite charity. Being with people helps things get better over time. I know; I have been there. On Memorial Day, I urge everyone to memorialize the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. And also pray for the families of our departed heroes, that God may comfort them as we commemorate their loved ones on this special day.
Regardless of which war or conflict they served in, they proved their commitment to duty and their loyalty to their nation. With selfless service, they courageously took the bullets from battle to help preserve our freedom. Their love of our country will always be remembered. On this Memorial Day, before we have barbecues, picnics, or anything else, let’s remember to pray for our fallen comrades, our brave warriors who did not make it back. May their souls truly rest in peace.
