MEMORIAL DAY - 2013

For most of the day, I've put off noting the reason for the long holiday weekend - Memorial Day - when we remember the fallen in our wars.   Each year it's more difficult for me to write something meaningful about the day, now especially, because members of our military are still dying and suffering injuries in Afghanistan.  Though I have not lost anyone close to me in a war, I've lived through five wars  in my lifetime, and that's not counting incursions or excursions, or whatever is the euphemism of the day for our interventions in countries with which we are not at war, including the drone attacks up to the present time.   Five plus is enough. 

We honor the fallen for their courage and dedication to duty. We extend our sympathy to their families and friends, whether the loss is recent or from long times past. We stand with you. We mourn with you.   In return, it seems the least we can do is care for you, the families, as best we can and care for the sisters and brothers in arms who survived the wars, but returned home wounded in body, mind, and spirit.  The fallen would have wanted it to be so, and our present efforts fall short, more's the pity.  We must do better.  It's only right. 

I posted the video below on Facebook in honor of Memorial Day, and it seems fitting to post it here, too.  Pete Seeger and a good many other musicians have sung fine versions of the song, but Marlène's powerful performance is the most moving I've ever seen or heard.  Each time I listen, I get chills.




When will we ever learn?

Lord God, Almighty and Everlasting Father, we pray for all those who have died in wars. We pray the they may rest in peace in the perpetual light of your love. We pray for your blessing upon the families and friends of all those who have died in service to their country. Console them for their aching loss. Bring them healing of body, mind, and spirit. Give them strength and courage to go forward, and Lord God, above all else, give them your peace that passes understanding to keep their minds and hearts.