Memorial Day Memorandum
Q.O.E - May 2023
There is a “Great Cloud of Witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) that surrounds each and all of us, and among them are the great saints of the church and the lesser known saints as well. Our loved ones, gone from among us, are in this number, and it is for them that Memorial Day is a tradition that has been established and maintained.
Often, we go to the cemetery to tidy up graves after the long winter, to plant flowers or otherwise decorate (hence the alternate name for Memorial Day – “Decoration Day”) the sites dear to each of us. But, the dead are not there, only their memorials. Tombstones with names and dates do help us remember when they walked among us. Epitaphs, verses of scripture and other quotations provide clues to the personality of the departed. They are sometimes fascinating to read about people we do not even know.
Cemeteries are likely to be quiet, often quite lovely places to pray, meditate, or just sit and think. They promote nostalgic memories of those long gone or more recently departed. They remind us that life is finite and fleeting, and that we are mortal. There are not many cemeteries that do not contain at least one grave marker that is actually a stone bench, inviting the living to linger a while, and providing one last gesture of hospitality to family, friends, or even a passing stranger.
It is not the mortal remains of anyone that we seek in a cemetery, but a connection with the souls that once animated them. So, if the burial places of your loved ones are far away, or at sea, or even non-existent, do not be sad. Prayers and meditations can take place anywhere. And, floral tributes to someone’s memory can be planted in our own yards, outside the church door, or on the altar for Sunday worship. Better still, take a bouquet to an ill or elderly neighbor in honor of the loved one you are remembering.
Whatever else you do, take time to thank God for your ancestors, parents and grandparents. Thank Him also for departed friends and younger loved ones. Pray for their peace and wellbeing. If we should pray for the living, should we not also pray for the “dead” who are indeed still living, but in a realm beyond our perception?
Go to the cemetery, if that is your tradition and if you are close enough to do so. But, in some way make Memorial Day meaningful and teach it to your children, so that they may develop a deeper understanding of where they have come from, why they are here, where they are going, and to whom they belong.
Of course, the more particular purpose of Memorial Day is to remember the fallen…those who fought for, died for, the principles of Freedom, Love of country and home, the rights and welfare of wives and children….even those yet unborn…and the fervent Hope of a glorious day when Mankind “Ain’t goin’ study war no more.”
In remembrance of those who gave all for the rest of us….
Last revised for the May 22, 2019, Rotary meeting…This is one of my favorites… I felt it was more appropriate than whatever else I might conjure up. And, I still do.
So, here it is, let us not forget….
Upon
The fields of war
Is shed
The blood of soldiers,
Poppy red.
For freedom’s choice
Their youth must pay,
Yet fleeting peace
Soon fades away.
Our honored dead
We hold so dear,
Remembering
At this time of year
That freedom is paid for,
Not once or twice,
But through repeated sacrifice.
Thus, in respect,
Let’s bow our heads
And thank our God
For those who said,
“My country needs the likes of me,
My strength,
My heart and energy.
And if for my country
All is spent,
Please tell my children
Where I went.
Please tell them
Freedom isn’t cheap,
But a sacred trust
That all must keep.
And
In the latter days of May,
Please
Think of me
And pause to pray.”
Amen.
And, wear a poppy…if you can find one.