Memorial Day

 My parents and I watched the National Memorial Day Concert last night. I cried no less than three times.

 

Hearing the stories of men and women who have gone to war and loved and lost was very powerful. The concert moved between dramatic monologues, music, and commentary, and it honored nine women who fought in WWII and five men who earned Medals of Honor for their bravery and sacrifice.

 

The dramatic monologues were what brought me to tears. A famous actor read the words of real-life veterans and then went to hug the veterans after bringing their stories to life. I cried at the poignant meetings every time.

 

In one monologue, a man from the Lakota tribe said something like, “War is for killing, but I wasn’t ready to die.” That phrase, “War is for killing,” keeps repeating itself in my head. Yes, there are larger issues at play for most wars, but when it comes down to it, isn’t killing what war is about? And yet, around the world, day after day, there are wars…and people die in them. And not only do they die, but they die brutal, painful deaths. This makes me sad.   

 

In another monologue, a husband and wife shared their story of how they lost not one but two sons to war. One was killed on the battlefield. One died from suicide—the quiet killer of war. The husband, a General who had himself seen war, and his wife both sought mental health services to deal with their grief. In time, they came to realize that their sons’ stories needed to be told—especially regarding mental health. An average of 20 veterans a day commit suicide because of all they’ve seen, heard, smelled, and experienced in war. No one should have to suffer alone—especially the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

 

And so today, on this Memorial Day, I pause to give thanks for people I will never know who never made it back from war, physically, mentally, or emotionally. I pause to send light, love, strength, courage, and stamina to the loved ones of those who have lost their people to war, and I pause to send the same to those who have returned from war but who daily struggle to go on.

 

Oh God, hear the prayers of your people today.

 

Amen.