Tag Archives: Memorial Day

Remembering what Memorial Day is all about

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Today here in the United States of America, we commemorate Memorial Day – the day we remember all those who gave their lives defending our freedom while serving in our armed forces. In the FoxNews article, SEAL who shot bin Laden: Don’t wish me a happy Memorial Day, the author says,

Memorial Day is a time for reflection, pause, remembrance and thanksgiving for patriots who gave up their own lives to protect the lives and freedom of us all – including the freedom of generations long gone and generations yet unborn. We owe the fallen a debt so enormous that it can never be repaid. Memorial Day is a time to honor the lives of those who would rather die than take a knee when our national anthem is played. But they will fight and die for the rights of those who kneel.

For me, today is a little more real than in years past since I have gotten to know some real good men and women at my parish who have served in our military. I have also started to support a company, while drinking coffee, that was founded by a veteran and employs many veterans. This company is known as Black Rifle Coffee Company. If you drink coffee and want to support our veterans, I would encourage you to check out this growing company. The video below is produced by them, and titled – Never Forgotten.

Ever since writing an article back on this day in 2013, every time I see a military veteran (usually wearing a hat or shirt saying when or where they served) or a current active service member of any branch of the military, I go up to them, shake their hand, and say Thank you for serving our country. At first this was hard to do, but I once I did it a few times, it became easier. I think we all need to do this for those who have served or currently serve in the armed forces. We have the freedoms we do because brave men and women decided to put their lives on the line and defend this country. This day and everyday, let us pray for all of the military men and women who have died defending our country.

As we watch the military movies that are playing on television today, grilling burgers and dogs, drinking a beer, and enjoying this day off, just remember Why you have this day off and to offer up a prayer to those who have fallen and have died for us. Today is only possibly through the service and actions of our fellow citizens who have chosen to serve, fight, and defend our country.

If you are looking for specific military prayers, you will find them on this website. Ask for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, St. Joan of Arc, and St. George – the Patron Saints of Military Personnel.

And, make sure you watch this short video from Black Rifle Coffee Company –

Giving Thanks and Praying on Memorial Day

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When the thoughts of Memorial Day come to mind in recent years, it’s the clip from the great World War II film – Saving Private Ryan, that comes to mind for me. Even now, it gives me a heavy heart (see below). And although it’s just a film, it portrays a little bit of what our soldiers have endured for our country and our way of life.

Today and everyday from here on out, when you see a military veteran or a current active service member, go up to them, shake their hand, and say THANK YOU. They have put their lives on the front lines and continue to do so today, in order that we may live in freedom. Let us pray this day as well as for all of the military men and women who have died defending our country. We must always give thanks to our military men and women.

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As you watch the military movies that are playing on television today, grilling burgers and dogs, drinking a beer, and enjoying this day off, just remember Why you have this day off and to offer up a prayer to those who have fallen and have died for us. Today is a good day, but it was only possibly through the service and actions of our fellow citizens who have chosen to serve and defend our country.

If you are looking for military prayers, you will find them on this website. Ask for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, St. Joan of Arc, and St. George – the Patron Saints of Military Personnel.

Make sure you watch this clip too!

Quick Lessons from the Catechism: Safeguarding Peace

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Since today is Memorial Day here in the United States of America, I found it fitting to discuss what the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches on peace and the avoidance of war. Memorial Day is the day where we commemorate the lives of our armed forces veterans, those still with us, and the ones who gave their lives defending our great nation. If you attend Mass today or spend some time in Eucharistic Adoration, please offer up some prayers for the souls of veterans. They need and deserve our prayers.

Marching Military Branches

Let us also pray for the souls of the veterans that died waiting for treatment at our Veteran Affairs facilities and those still waiting for treatment currently. Pray that they receive the necessary health care they need at this time.

We should always give thanks and pray for our veterans, most especially on this day.

The Catechism teaches that…

CCC 2327: Because of the evils and injustices that all war brings with it, we must do everything reasonably possible to avoid it. The Church prays: “From famine, pestilence, and war, O Lord, deliver us.”

CCC 2328: The Church and human reason assert that permanent validity of the moral law during armed conflicts. Practices deliberately contrary to the law of nations and to its universal principles are crimes.

CCC 2329: “The arms race is one of the greatest curses on the human race and the harm it inflicts on the poor is more than can be endured” (Gaudium et spes 81.3)

CCC 2330: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Mt 5:9).

For a more detailed account of these teachings, I would encourage you to read CCC 2302-2317. In these paragraphs, special attention should be given to CCC 2309 since it’s this paragraph that focuses on the Just War Doctrine. Although the Church seeks to avoid war at all costs, there are times when the Church teaches that a nation has the right to defend itself when provoked.

Giving Thanks and Praying on Memorial Day

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When the thoughts of Memorial Day or Veteran’s day come to mind in recent years, it’s the clip from the great World War II film – Saving Private Ryan, that comes to mind. Even watching it now gives me a heavy heart (see below).

Today and everyday from here on out, when you see a military veteran or a current active service member, go up to them, shake their hand, and say THANK YOU. They have put their lives on the front lines and continue to do so today, in order that we may live in freedom.

We must always give thanks and pray for our military men and women. Military life is hard and can make a lasting impression on one’s mind. As you watch the military movies that are playing on television or attending a parade to honor our veterans today, offer up a prayer to those who are with us presently, but also offer up a prayer to those who have fallen and have died for us. For military prayers, see this website. Ask for the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, St. Joan of Arc, and St. George – the Patron Saints of Military Personnel.

Here are some friends of mine that are active military personnel – Mark Bristol, Greg Johnson, Ricky Schumann, John Yorio, and Michael Quigley – Thank You gentlemen for your service and duty to our country.

Marching Military Branches