For many, if not most, people, the onset of Memorial Day Weekend is less a call to remember the high cost of freedom and liberty than the traditional opening of the summer season with a program to revitalize boardwalks in New Jersey shore towns.
Oh yes, we can’t forget the sales. It seems that every holiday is more about commerce than the real meaning of the holiday. For most of us, World War II and even Korea are more history than memory. Even Vietnam seems to fade.
What has not faded for the men and women who are survivors of our armed conflicts, however, is the desperate need for services and housing. Although the number of homeless veterans has declined, the numbers are still significant. Rather than pious sounding words, we owe it to the people who put their lives on the line to solve this problem.
Prayer for the Day
God of memories, old and new, beautiful and sad,
Grace us today with your presence in our lives;
God of broken hearts, mend us and heal us,
And enable us to embrace the future.
Set us free from what has bound us to the past
Freeing us to catch a glimpse of your kingdom.
In the name of the One who shows us how to live,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
When we’re talking about the number of veterans experiencing homelessness, it doesn’t count people who might be doubled up, or couch surfing, who might be in housing arrangements that are less than ideal or unstable in some way.
- Thomas Byrne, Boston University School of Social Work
Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.
- Adlai Stevenson II, Illinois Governor, Presidential candidate (1900-1965)
In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
Incline your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of refuge,
A strong fortress to save me, for you are my rock and fortress.
Psalm 71: 1-3