Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day, a day set aside by our country to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be free. Americans today gathered for memorial day parades, celebrations of remembrance, Catholics gathered for special Masses to pray for the deceased. Places of business close and the government halts its operations. Today, I attended a few Memorial Day functions.

1. A tradition of my parish is to hold mass in our cemetery chapel on this day.

2. I attended the local parade and remembrance celebration.

3. I began my political involvement for the 2008 Election Season,

One thing that really struck me during the remembrance celebration (I don't know what to call the ceremony at the local cemetery) was the overwhelming reference to God, the afterlife, and other Christian references. It seems that Memorial Day helps us to remember our roots as a nation--One Nation Under God. The ceremony began with an opening and closing prayer. The guest speaker referenced heaven and other Christian terms. We sang God Bless America. It was a day of God and Country! We learned about the 13 folds of the flag and what each one meant (hint: some refer to God and Heaven).

One thought that I had during the entire ceremony and even afterwards is the question: are there people here who would be opposed to mention of God. It seems that we are always trying to make everything non-religious to be friendly to the small minority of those who don't believe. Yet, I don't know if anyone was opposed, but in my opinion it is only fitting that God is referred to on this our memorial day. When we use words like the ultimate sacrifice or just gathering in a cemetery, one is only inclined to think about their faith [in the resurrection of the body].

I also mentioned I began campaigning today at my second parade for an individual challenging for a seat in Congress. As a Political Science major you could say that my job is a professional volunteer for various different campaigns. I don't get paid, but I make phone calls on occasion, walk a lot of parade routes, put up yard signs, all for an individual who I believe will represent my ideologies in Congress. Of course, I'd like to get paid for this work and in some ways I am almost an employed volunteer with no benefits, but all in all, studying Communications and Political Science, this only looks good on a resume when I do have a college degree. I don't know if I will ever get involved in the Media or Politics, but I enjoy these areas of study but in the end I'm working to save babies and other morals of mine as a volunteer.

A Memorial Day Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.
We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Sources:

Image and Prayer: http://christianity.about.com/b/2008/05/22/weekly-prayer-post-memorial-day-prayer.htm