Healing

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Time To Remember—Memorial Day Tribute
© 2005
by

Stephen A. Peterson


Once again, I went jogging down Oklahoma State Highway 3. As I jog down this seldom traveled state highway, I pass by a public cemetery where thousands of America’s daughters and sons of our wars and conflicts lay at rest. This Memorial Day 2004, I stop, reverently walk over and stand over the grave of a World War II fallen soldier with the scent of living flowers gracing the Oklahoma air.

And I recall and remember…my own father’s sacrifice to the nation during the world’s worst conflict ever… I hear the agony and pain of Civil War soldiers at Gettysburg who fell to bind the wounds of a nation lost by the concept of slavery—the country’s weakest hour… I see images of the Bataan Death March where thousands of Americans and Filipinos died a savage and brutal death for principle and freedom… I miss my classmates who, unlike me, died in the rain forests of Vietnam to protect the liberty of a nation… I see the smiles and hear the laughter of more than 500,000 airmen and airwomen, marines, sailors and soldiers who, by their service and sacrifice this Memorial Day, stand guard in more than two dozen nations in the protection of millions of non-Americans rights to life, liberty and property in the Spirit of God.

I miss my father, but remembering no longer brings tears. Coming here this day to honor this fallen veteran and thus my father no longer make me sad but rather grateful. In fact, it puts me in touch with reality beyond which the intelligent cannot know or understand and the wise long and prepare for. It also helps me face the fact of my own mortality and that which is to come.

When I entered this life, my parents received me, their first child, with anticipation and love. They cared for me and introduced me to their true friend, Jesus Christ. I have no doubt that on “Dies Laetare” they and others of the faithful will do the same again!

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