Posted on 05/26/2014 2:16:09 AM PDT by markomalley
The word “memorial” comes from the Latin Memorare which is in an imperative meaning: “Remember!” So, Memorial Day is “Remember! Day.” To remember something is to allow it to be present to our mind and heart so that we are grateful, sober, aware and different.
This is a day to remember that there are men and women who have died so that you and I could live with greater security, justice and peace. May these fallen soldiers rest in Peace. We owe them a debt of gratitude and our prayers.
In a secondary sense we can also honor those today who currently serve in the military since they have placed their lives on the line for our security and peace. We will have a second opportunity to thank those who still live on Veterans Day.
God bless them all, and may the dead rest in peace. We remember that freedom is not free and others paid the price for our freedom.
The second word is Monument. There are many monuments associated with our fallen soldiers. Here in DC and in most cities there is a monument for the soldiers who died in WW II. There are other monuments to the dead from from WWI, Korea, and Vietnam. Soon enough will follow monuments for the fallen in the gulf wars and others. The Tomb of the Unknowns is also a profound monument to many of the fallen who are unknown to us. And who can forget the deep impression the rows of white crosses in a military cemetery make.
The Word “Monument” comes from the Latin Monere (to warn, remind or advise) + mens (mind). Hence a “monument” exists to admonish or advise us to remember the dead and/or what they have done. we owe a debt not only of gratitude to our fallen soldiers, but also to hold in memory what they have done for us.
The Love of one’s country (Patriotism) is related to the fourth commandment. The Catechism teaches:
It is the duty of citizens to contribute to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity and freedom. The love and service of one’s country follow from the the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. (CCC # 2239)
The Lord himself makes it plain: No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13).
Never forget the price others have paid for our freedom. Pray for our fallen soldiers of every generation and their families. Perhaps you might use this video as a way to meditate on the sacrifices they made. Here the text of the song “Mansions of the Lord” and the video follows:
To fallen soldiers let us sing,
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing,
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the LordNo more weeping,
No more fight,
No prayers pleading through the night,
Just Divine embrace,
Eternal light,
In the Mansions of the LordWhere no mothers cry
And no children weep,
We shall stand and guard
Though the angels sleep,
Oh, through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord
(video at link)
Msgr Pope ping.
Thanks for posting. It’s unfortunate that the Archbishop’s message could not have been broadcast over a loudspeaker so that the enemies of We the People in DC could have heard his message. Thank you, Archbishop Pope, for a beautiful Memorial Day message..may these brave men and women rest in peace, Amen. Their work is done.
Ping!
Check out the website.
He is a priest; not an Archbishop.
Memorial Day tribute.
Thanks for the ping.
bkmk
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