Memorial Day in the United States is a time to pause and remember those who have sacrificed their life on the battlefield. It is also a time to pray for the families of those who lost a beloved soldier.
I do not find there to be any tension between hating war, loving life, AND honoring those who have chosen to serve their country and lose their life in the process. ANYONE who has ever served in the military or been a family member of one who has served KNOWS that Memorial Day is NOT a day for politics or even theology. It is a day to grieve.
When my two Marine brothers were serving at the same time, one in Iraq the other in Afghanistan, I asked a local deacon at my parish to pray for them. Do you know what he said to me? He said, “What is wrong with your family to produce two killers?” I was absolutely stunned and speechless. My brothers joined the Marines directly because of 9/11. My family has produced one police officer, two teachers, and two soldiers: all service professions.
I understand how Catholics can despise war. We are called to choose peace and live peace. But what do we do when there is war? How do we serve the families of those affected by it? My mother was in Hell when her only sons were in harm’s way. She received many prayers and phone calls from lay Catholics, but none from her priests and deacons.
One of these soldiers who did not come home is being honored by an Afghan village where he served before he was killed by a sniper’s bullet. He tried and succeeded to save the life of a little Afghan girl. The Taliban did not help her. But a United States Petty Officer did. If an Afghan village can honor him, can we not as well? His name is US Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class John Fralish. He served in my brother’s unit the 1/3 Alpha Company Marine unit as a medic. He is remembered by the 1/3 family and hopefully by other Americans.
Today as I BBQ and spend time with my beloved family, one of whom is my brother now out of the Corp, I will say a prayer and drink a beer to honor these men and women.
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