REMEMBRANCE: Requiem for Memorial Day

REMEMBRANCE: Requiem for Memorial Day

♥“May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”♥
Amen ~ an Irish Blessing

Even as many prepare to eat, drink and be merry, it is imperative to remember that Memorial Day is truly a time for reflection and remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price in wars fought for the protection of people, territory and peace; some wars won, lost, unending…

Anthem: “O God the King of Glory, who hast exalted thine only son Jesus Christ with great triumph into heaven; we beseech thee, leave us not comfortless…” Henry Purcell*

Anthem: ♫♥♫“O God the King of Glory, who hast exalted thine only son Jesus Christ with great triumph into heaven; we beseech thee, leave us not comfortless…”♫☼♫ Henry Purcell*

For anyone who has been to war, lived in a war zone or been a survivor of war, the lingering memories of the carnage, the constant terror of impending attack and the human tragedies remain a visceral reminder of why peace is not an option, it is the only answer to sustaining our global community.

Spiritual: “Anyhow, my Lord, at the cross I take my vow, because I’m on my way to heaven anyhow…” Evelyn la Rue Pittman*

Spiritual: ♫♥♫“Anyhow, my Lord, at the cross I take my vow, because I’m on my way to heaven anyhow…”♫☼♫ Evelyn la Rue Pittman*

We attend services, we join the parade, we eat and reminisce about the lives of loved ones or strangers lost, celebrate those who made it home, our sons and daughters in the forces, our friends and family; we must never forget that war is not the answer. Peaceful efforts must shape/begin our daily interactions with each other; to stem the monster of petty hatreds that becomes permanent hostilities and acts of violence.

Anthem: “O clap your hands all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph…” Ralph Vaughan Williams*

Anthem: ♫♥♫“O clap your hands all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph…”♫☼♫ Ralph Vaughan Williams*

Where do we seek peace? When do we fight war? When should we engage in peace seeking diplomacy without creating a perception of weakness? How can we end oppression, injustice and violations of freedom/human rights without resorting to war? How do we honor those who fought in our stead and gave their lives so we can live to break bread? These are questions our global leaders ask and questions we should ask of them often.

Where do you stand on the subject? What do you fear could become our global legacy? We can all be emissaries of peace; it is a choice.♥

♥“I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations;
And for the well-being of all people.
Pray for justice and peace.”♥
The Prayers of the People ~ Form II (The Common Book of Prayer)*

Center photo credit: “Light” by Ugurers
* Songs and Prayer from Today’s Service at Grace Church ~ White Plains, NY

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank