Never Forget Our Heroes: Memorial Day

Coming from a family with family members who have served since the First World War, the patriotic holidays observed in the United States are a big deal.

While I have never served in the military, I have realized that remembering our fallen is not just for those who survived their military service. Rather, it is a patriotic duty for everyone. When have you last visited a national cemetery and said a prayer for that service member who died?

I remember hearing a story from my family about my great uncle who was in Vietnam as a marine and lost many brothers in arms. He and a few others survived. To this day, he never talked about his experience. Yet, he has lived to marry and have two children. No doubt that he has never forgotten the men that were beside him.

My family knew someone considered a “Golden Boy” in our neighborhood. He was popular in high school and in the community. He was best friends with my great-uncle, yet he paid the ultimate sacrifice just days after his 21st birthday. Every year my community has a Memorial Day Mass to remember him and all the fallen.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton puts it well when he said, “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” At times, the soldier fights for the people around him. Often, that soldier lays down his life without any mental reservation.

In another passage, he reminds us, ““Love is not blind; that is the last thing that loves it. Love is bound.” Chesterton tells us that the sacrifice made by more than a million men and women since the American Revolution was out of love. It was out of love for not only their family but for their country.

As we pause and remember all who gave their lives, let us be sure to pray and honor them.