Monday Ministerial Musings
Monday Ministerial Musings
By Rev. Mark William Ennis
Blog Number 17
May 27, 2019
Happy Memorial Day?
Today is Memorial Day. It is the day that we set aside to remember those members of our military who made the supreme sacrifice and died in our wars. At least that is what it is supposed to be. I wonder if we do spend time reflecting on the sacrifice of others in between our parades picnics and parties. Perhaps we cannot really feel the need for this day of remembrance unless we ourselves know people who have died or are close to friends who have.
My Godfather was a CB on Guam Island in World War II. He survived the war but suffered chronic depression following his was experiences. It was un-diagnosed, but perhaps it might now be called PTSD. His depression waxed and waned over the years be got much worse during retirement. He self-medicated, at times, with alcohol. Ultimately, he committed suicide during the summer of 1980. I believe that he was a casualty of war just as much as any combat casualty. I think of him every Memorial Day.
In the mid-1980’s I first met the Muser family while pastoring a church in Hoboken. They understood Memorial Day. Their son was one of the casualties of Vietnam. He was an only child. This was a family that did not participate in shopping on this day. Instead, they went to their son’s grave to remember. For them, it was not a “holiday” but a “day of remembrance.” They understood this day better than most of us.
Yes, this afternoon I will be at a picnic this afternoon, spending time with friends and celebrating friendships. But first I will be praying at a wreath-laying ceremony and marching in our local parade. All day I will be thinking of Kenneth Kizer, Louis Muser II, and all those who sacrificed for my freedom. I hope that you will join me in remembering our fallen heroes.
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