Although established to commemorate those who died in the service of their Country, Memorial Day (formerly Decoration Day) is virtually indistinguishable from Veterans Day (formerly Armistice Day) which honors all veterans of all wars.
Regardless, be sure to think of those who gave their lives for this great Nation and thank those veterans who are still with us. They fought so that we could enjoy the liberty and prosperity that we do today.
Both of my parents served in the Philippines during WWII. Dad was in the Army Air Corps and Mom was a Navy nurse. Rarely, if ever, did they speak of their wartime experiences, although I recall Mom mentioning snakes slithering in the rafters overhead in the base hospital.
Yes, they were part of what Tom Brokaw calls "The Greatest Generation" - those who grew up during the Great Depression and went on to serve in World War II. Mom and Dad never spoke of their Depression era experiences. Their generation didn't.
Hopefully, each generation will think of the preceding one as the "Greatest Generation", but for reasons other than wars and depressions.
My home parish in Kingston celebrates Mass in the parish cemetery on Memorial Day, weather permitting. Hopefully the weather will cooperate this year. A solemn and fitting commemoration - American Flags adorn the graves of all military members buried there, whether they fell in battle or died decades later, like my parents. The VFW Color Guard stands to one side of the altar. Some parishioners wear their old military uniforms (equally proud of the uniform and the fact that they still fit in it, I'm sure), others are relegated to wearing their military hats along with their civvies. God Bless America is sung during Mass and America the Beautiful at the conclusion.
Remember to think of those Veterans who gave their lives for us today. Remember their families and the loss they endured. And although it's not Veterans Day, if you encounter a Vet today, say "Thanks!"
Pete Stenson
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