The Other Shoe

Since the Revolutionary War, America has lost 1,196,452 soldiers in the ten wars our nation has fought. The current conflict, the Global War on Terror, has claimed another 800 soldiers killed in combat in the battles of Afghanistan and Iraq as well as the almost 3,000 civilians who were killed on this war's first day, September 11, 2001. 

Today is Memorial Day. For the last several decades, this holiday has been observed primarily through the consumption of hot dogs, hamburgers and beer, and by going to the mall, the movies, the beach. I did the same sort of thing today, spending time with friends and family, having a mostly good time. We also spent time reflecting on the sacrifices so many have made, and continue to make even today, so that my family and yours can live in freedom.

I earnestly hope that this is the last wartime Memorial Day we will see during our lifetimes. I pray that it is so, but I don't believe that it will be. The war we are currently fighting, the one that was forced on us by the forces of fascism and religious bigotry that beautiful September morning, will probably be with us for decades.

Therefore, in addition to praying for peace I will be praying for victory. This prayer by Fulton Sheen seems particularly appropriate today.

Our Father, who art in heaven:give us, we Pray you, the courage and the strength to stamp out the threat of paganism and slavery that hangs over the world today.

Be merciful to all those who have died in service to our country.

Console those who have lost their loved ones in the struggle.

Help our fighting men and women to be always clear of heart and therefore unafraid.

Soothe the wounded in battle.

Sustain the courage of those who suffer persecution for conscience's sake.

Havemercy on those who have been insulted, robbed, tortured, defiled, enslaved.

Grant wisdom to our leaders, civil and military, that they may most effectively direct our efforts, at home and abroad.

Teach us all to walk humbly with You, so that we may be worthy to conquer, and having conquered may build a peace with justice, based on the Brotherhood of Man, under the Fatherhood of God. Amen.

Amen.

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• #1 Comment from jamescc76 
  5/31/04 11:10 PM | Permalink

  Thanks, Charlie. As per usual ... great stuff.