This weekend is the unofficial start to summer. It is Memorial Day. Boats will be put in. Grills will be turn on. Beers and other drinks will be poured and many people will get sunburned. I hope you have a great weekend!
We all know that this weekend wasn’t started so we could all take an extra day off and kick back to relax. Instead, we have this day to remember the sacrifices that many have made in service to the country. Each year, on social media, I see the following quote. (This year I saw it from Heidi Morrison.) It says the following.
Armed Forces Day is for those still in uniform.
Veterans Day is for those who have hung up their uniform.
Memorial Day is for those who never made it out of their uniform.
I think it is good to be reminded of the distinction. Frequently, it seems we have a tendency to wrap them all up together and honor the people who have served in the military (past and present) whenever we have a patriotic holiday. But there are differences between them and to not remember or distinguish each can lead to minimizing, even though it is done unintentionally.
I am extremely grateful to live in the country I do. I wake up every day not worried about basic necessities that many in the world do. I have fundamental rights that I can and do exercise. Additionally, in my life, I am safe, fall asleep easy and wake up with opportunities in front of me. I am grateful.
Much of the reason that I am able to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities I do, is due to the sacrifice of those individuals who “never made it out of uniform.” Starting with the Revolutionary War and continuing through other wars and conflicts I have learned about, and through those of which I will never know, there are countless people have died to make my life possible. Again, I am grateful.
Along with the feeling of gratitude, like all of you, there is another emotion inside. That is one of sadness. It is for all the lives lost. All the men and women who did not return to their families and did not get to fulfill the dreams for the rest of their lives. Also, it is for the family and friends of those who have died and grieve differently than I, in a more personal way.
But I also grieve because when we remember victims of war, it serves as a reminder that God’s kingdom is not a reality among us and too often we have chosen ways that take us further from it, rather than moving toward it. While we can have conversations about whether a war or violence is “just” or not, I don’t think it is ever God’s desire or hope for the world. Jesus speaks of loving your enemy and praying for those who persecute you. The early church grew exponentially because they were known for a different way of life that might be might be best embodied in the Sermon on the Mount, of which part of the teaching is “Blessed are the peacemakers, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.”
I also think about God’s future and what heaven will be like, when it comes fully to earth. I don’t think war or violence will ever be part of it. Whatever divisions we have created between people will be no more and all will be one. I continually am reminded of Ephesians 2:14.
“For he (Christ) is our peace; in his flesh, he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.”
So, this Memorial Day, when you are enjoying an extra-long weekend, at some point, say the following prayer.
Almighty God, you are our strength and our shield. We give you thanks for the people of our armed forces, past and present, and especially for those who have died while serving. May their sacrifices serve the cause of peace, and may our nation be ever grateful for their service. With your wisdom and strength guide our military's leaders, and give to all people a desire for justice and peace. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. – adapted from the ELW prayer for the armed forces.
Grace and Peaace,
Pastor Tim