A memorial celebration has a dichotomy of sadness and pride; loss and growth, fulfillment and emptiness.  To call it a celebration, well yes it is, but not a truly happy one.  My mind drifts to that picture of the young boy in near tears as he is presented with his father’s flag, crushing at best.

The spoils of war lasts a lifetime and are ever changing as a price paid for freedom, peace, and security of many, yet so expensive for a precious few.  Its hard to imagine such a loss upon the young.

There will be no jumping for joy, streamers flying, confetti raining on this celebration day, just flags, and prayers for those who paid the amazingly ultimate price and for those left in the wake of such a sacrifice.

Trying as I might with a poem, bear with me on this, it’s been awhile since my poetry days, but here goes:

 

Oh Heavenly Father, so great and so good,

look down on your children this morn

We praise you, we thank you, we love you

above all, and cry for the lost and stolen and mourn.

Give peace and salvation for those whom we cry

Give peace and libation to those who are left

so that war will no longer be a need to decry

give peace to our world, countries, and homesteads

So losses no longer will be hastily suffered

by a loved one, a child,  mothers or dads

and peace will reign and  true celebrations will be

with confetti and streamers and cupcakes instead.

 

 

 

 

 

Though we didn’t lose my father-in-law in WWII, here in 1943, we did lose him to another battle a few years ago.

He is sorely missed.

 

2 Replies to “Memorial Day thoughts….and a poem of sorts”

  1. Dear Catholic Writers,
    By way of introduction, I am Cheri Lomonte, cohost of the Mary’s Touch radio program along with Father Jim Evans. I always like interviewing writers about their books or their Mother Mary story. If you would like to be on our radio show, please let me know. I want our listeners to know about your work. Looking forward to hearing from you.
    Cheri Lomonte
    Mary’s Touch
    Director and CoHost

    1. Dear Cheri,
      How gracious of you! This is a wonderful opportunity for us – I’m sure (if you haven’t already) you will hear from many writers here.

      Again, thank you and may God bless your work!

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