Our Heroes

OUR HEROES!!
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service.
Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to HONOR those who gave their ALL for our Freedom we have this day.
As I was thinking about this – this weekend –  I had to repent for taking this day so so lightly.
My mom called me Wed. And asked if I had gone to my Dad’s grave and put flowers on the Grave Stone?  Long story short -for the last two years someone has beat mom to the site and put flowers on Dad’s grave for Memorial Day. What Joy that brings to know others have given time to honor those gone after so many years .
The “Memorial” in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us(especially me) who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice:

My dad (WW II vet which died 20 years ago) would always try explain this day to me year after year when I was young.  I’m sorry to say I did not give him the time, respect or attention I should of.
I was named after my Dad’s best friend who’s plane got shot down in WW II.
My Dad’s friend and himself made an oath “that if one of them did not make it home- they would name their first son after the other and go and explain to the saddened parents what they shared together in the Navy in the planes as well as on the water on ships.”
It took my dad 20 years to go see Roberts parents after the Service. But dad did it and shared with them that his first son (me) was named after their lost son Robert.
I never did tell my dad how proud I was of him and give him a BIG Hug saying THANKS for Serving our Country and being my dad.  Sorry for taking your service and all the others service men and women for granted.
So this day I Personally want to honor my Father (Aurther Lowell Bagne) and say Thank You For your Love and your service to this Country as well as ALL the men and women that have past on without the Thanks they should of received.  Thanks DAD and may I be faithful and pass on the Meaning of this day to my grandkids and others.

HEROES UNAWARE
By Mark A. Wright, HMC(SS)
22 June, 2000

I first saw him on a park bench
I’ve seen him every day
Sitting in a shady grove
Where my children come to play
Sometimes he feeds the birds and squirrels
Or whittles little toys
Sometimes he just sits and smiles
At the laughing girls and boys
And I never paid him any mind
‘Till one day just this year
I noticed that he wore a frown
And on his cheek … a tear.

Well I asked him why he seemed so down
He looked up, began to say
I lost half my friends 60 years ago today
He told me of the terror
As he fought to reach dry land
By the time the beachhead was secure
Half his friends lay in the sand

That was just in one long day
He fought on for 4 years more
And the 60 years from then to now
Have not dimmed His sights of war

He said they have reunions
Just to keep in touch and share
And for each comrade who has gone on
They leave an empty chair

Well, His park bench has been empty now
About 6 months or so
And if I’d never took the time
Then I never would’ve known
That sitting on that simple bench
With bread crumbs and little toys
Was a man who gave his all
To guarantee my daily joys

So give thanks to all the men and women
Who’re still here or have gone before
And made the highest sacrifice
In both Peace time and in War
Because they bought our freedom
Paid their own blood, sweat, and tears
Then endured the heartache of those empty chairs
For all these years

So please do not ignore them
Or speed by without a care
‘Cause you never know
When you might pass by
A hero, unaware


What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.


MEMORIAL DAY PRAYER

By Rev. Dick Kozelka (ret)
First Congregational Church of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN.

Eternal God,
Creator of years, of centuries,
Lord of whatever is beyond time,
Maker of all species and master of all history —
How shall we speak to you
from our smallness and inconsequence?
Except that you have called us to worship you in spirit and in truth;
You have dignified us with loves and loyalties;
You have lifted us up with your lovingkindnesses.
Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling
[though we sometimes feel that low]
and without fear
[though we are often anxious].
We sing with spirit and pray with courage because you have dignified us;
You have redeemed us from the aimlessness of things’ going meaninglessly well.
God, lift the hearts of those
for whom this holiday is not just diversion, but painful memory and continued deprivation.
Bless those whose dear ones have died
needlessly, wastefully [as it seems]
in accident or misadventure.
We remember with compassion those who have died serving their countries
in the futility of combat.
There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation,
when all the answers we are offered
fail the question death asks of each of us.
We believe that you will provide for us
as others have been provided with the fulfillment of
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Amen

Let’s not take this day lightly anymore!
Let’s let others know how much we appreciate all the men and women that have and are serving this great Country!  Take the time to listen. You will be blessed.
God Bless America.  Amen