A long weekend! Thank you, Memorial Day! But wait, there is more to Memorial Day than the fact that it marks a three-day weekend on the calendar. Memorial Day is a time for reflection. And Memorial Day is a national holiday. We, as a nation, recognize the value of remembering those who have sacrificed their lives for our futures, and designate a day to reflect and pray for those souls. The fact that our nation has such a holiday points to something more positive than just a vacation weekend. It says something positive and deep about our national culture.
But primarily, Memorial Day is neither just a long weekend nor a symbol of our nation’s religious character. It is first and foremost a day to remember those who have fought and died for us. To honor those heroes who have sacrificed their lives for our country and our futures, I would like to share this prayer by Pope Benedict.
“O God, our Father, endless source of life and peace, welcome into Your merciful embrace the fallen of the war that raged here, the fallen of all wars that have bloodied the earth. Grant that they may enjoy the light that does not fail, which in the reflection of Your splendour illumines the consciences of all men and women of good will. You, Who in Your Son Jesus Christ gave suffering humanity a glorious witness of Your love for us, You, Who in our Lord Christ gave us the sign of a suffering that is never in vain, but fruitful in Your redeeming power, grant those who yet suffer for the blind violence of fratricidal wars the strength of the hope that does not fade, the dream of a definitive civilisation of love, the courage of a real and daily activity of peace. Give us your Paraclete Spirit so that the men of our time may understand that the gift of peace is much more precious than any corruptible treasure, and that while awaiting the day that does not end we are all called to be builders of peace for the future of Your children. Make all Christians more convinced witnesses of life, the inestimable gift of Your love, You Who live and reign for ever and ever Amen”.
This was a prayer prayed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI while visiting the Polish Military Cemetery at Montecasino, the site of a WWII battle. The prayer closes with a call to witness to the gift of life. Through this prayer, let us remember those whose sacrifice of their own lives have allowed us to live as we do now, and let us commit to honor them by learning and living according to the real purpose of life so we can truly be witnesses to that gift.
Photo: Public Domain
