War is an absolutely terrible thing and should be avoided whenever possible. Unfortunately it isn’t always possible to avoid. Freedom is a very special gift that needs to be upheld. Often the only way to do this is to fight for it and to have a strong military to defend it. The United States has been so instrumental in winning freedom and protecting freedom, not only within its own boundaries, but also in foreign lands. It has been a strong military that allows that. Technology certainly plays an important role in a strong military but at the heart of our strength is the individual soldier. Armed Forces Day is a day for us to stop and honor those who are serving our country in the five different branches of the Armed Forces. We are honoring our own brothers and sisters, sons and daughters and neighbors. These are people who have volunteered to serve their country (us) and to fight and even perhaps to die for us. They most certainly follow Jesus’ words where He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
We have three special days every year to celebrate our soldiers. This Saturday, May 18th is Armed Forces Day. On this day we honor all who presently serve our country within the five branches of the Military; The Army, The Air Force, the Navy, the Marine Corp and the Coast Guard. At the end of this month we will have Memorial Day when we honor all those soldiers who have given their life for their country. In November we have Veteran’s Day. That is the day that we honor all who have served their country. I am very proud to be a United States Vietnam War Era Veteran. I enlisted back in 1969, right after finishing college. For me, it was a way for me to show my love for the country that has given me so much. It was an honor to serve, even though it was an unpopular war. I work with a number of young war veterans (from the Middle Eastern wars) who suffer from PTSD, but all of them tell me that it was an honor for them to serve their country. This week we should honor all those who currently serve.
Armed Forces Day was first announced on August 21, 1949 to declare one day to celebrate all of the five branches of the military. This stemmed from the unification of all military branches under one agency, the Department of Defense. In a speech announcing the creation of the day, President Truman “praised the work of the military services at home and across the seas.” He said, “It is vital to the security of the nation and to the establishment of a desirable peace.” The first official Armed Forces Day took place on May 20, 1950, and was themed “Teamed for Defense.” In honor of the special day, B-36 Bombers flew over state capitals, a march was led by more than 10,000 veterans and troops in Washington, D.C., and over 33,000 people participated in a New York City parade. In 1961, John F. Kennedy declared Armed Forces Day a national holiday. It’s celebrated on the third Saturday of every May.
An excerpt taken from an article written in the New York Post on May 17, 1952, sums up Armed Forces Day’s utmost importance, “It is our most earnest hope that those who are in positions of peril, that those who have made exceptional sacrifices, yes, and those who are afflicted with plain drudgery and boredom, may somehow know that we hold them in exceptional esteem. Perhaps if we are a little more conscious of our debt of honored affection they may be a little more aware of how much we think of them.” In 1963 President John F. Kennedy said, “Our Servicemen and women are serving throughout the world as guardians of peace–many of them away from their homes, their friends and their families. They are visible evidence of our determination to meet any threat to the peace with measured strength and high resolve. They are also evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth–that the survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment, and great personal sacrifice.”
On Armed Forces Day 2018, President Donald Trump said, “On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to the extraordinary men and women who serve our Nation with valor and distinction in all branches of the military. This annual observance honors their steadfast service in preserving our Nation’s peace, preserving our freedom, and defending our founding principles. Throughout our history, in times of war and peace, our service members have served with bravery, skill, and unwavering devotion to duty. There is no fighting force that rivals that of the United States military. The precious liberties all Americans enjoy are possible because, every day and without exception, our Armed Forces relentlessly and tirelessly carry out the critical mission of protecting our country, our freedoms, and our way of life.” He continued, “On this day, and every day, we owe a debt of gratitude to our service members stationed at home and those deployed around the world. All across America, we enjoy the blessings of liberty because our Nation’s finest men and women willingly accept the call to service. We proudly salute our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, and recognize the families who serve alongside them for their courage and commitment.”
What is a good way to honor them? That certainly varies from individual to individual. For me, whenever I see a soldier in uniform I thank them for their service. Whenever possible I try to do little things like pick up their check in a restaurant or offer to sit down with them and have a coffee or a beer together. I go out of my way (it took a while for my wife to get used to this) to go and try to talk to a soldier. All of this usually brings a smile from the soldier, and certainly makes me feel good. I also try to go to our local airport to welcome home soldiers when I know one is scheduled to come in. I support and work with a local Long Island group called Boots on the Ground who sends out care packages oversees to the soldiers. One of my ministries is to meet with soldiers who are suffering from PTSD. I make sure that they go to a trained therapist, but I also meet with them for coffee and breakfast and lunch and spend time talking with them. There are so many out there who are hurting and even contemplating suicide. You would be surprised how just spending a little time with them, can help them (and it makes me feel good). I also pray every day for our soldiers. I believe strongly in the power of prayer. This is something everyone can do.
So this Saturday and all next week (and basically every day after), let us honor our soldiers and thank God for them and ask Him to protect them. God is good.
Catholic Prayers for our soldiers:
Priest (or leader): Let us pray for our brothers and sisters as they go forth with courage and determination to face the forces of violence, weapons of destruction and hearts filled with hate.
RESPONSE: THROUGH THE DARKNESS BRING US TO THE LIGHT.
Deacon or Reader:
For our Commander-In-Chief, President N.N., and our political and military
leaders that they may tirelessly seek peaceful settlements to international
disputes; we pray to the Lord:
That the Lord may preserve the members of our Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force from all harm; we pray to the Lord:
That even in war, we may keep clearly before us the defense of all human rights, especially the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; we pray to the Lord:
That the families, relatives and friends of our military members may be strengthened in this time of concern and anxiety; we pray to the Lord:
That the Lord may help families with men and women in the armed forces to cope with daily challenges in the absence of their loved ones; we pray to the Lord:
That our homeland will be preserved from violence and terrorism; we pray to the Lord:
That the nations of the world will seek to work together in harmony and peace; we pray to the Lord:
That the hearts of all men and women will be moved to pursue true peace and justice; we pray to the Lord:
That violence may be overcome by peace; that weapons of destruction be transformed into tools of justice, and hate give way to true charity; we pray to the Lord:
That grateful for and inspired by those veterans who have given their lives for our country we may bravely face the challenges ahead; we pray to the Lord:
Priest (or leader): Lord God, Almighty Father,
creator of mankind and author of peace,
as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess,
we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.
Give them courage, hope and strength.
May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate
healing.
Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light.
To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever.
Amen.