Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen, Reflecting on Sacrifice, and Seeking Peace

Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen, Reflecting on Sacrifice, and Seeking Peace

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a solemn federal holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who died while serving their country. Originally known as Decoration Day, it emerged in the aftermath of the Civil War, which claimed approximately 620,000 lives. Communities across the nation began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags to remember their sacrifices.

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (an organization of Union veterans), issued General Order No. 11, formally establishing Decoration Day on May 30. The first major observance took place at Arlington National Cemetery, where thousands gathered to honor both Union and Confederate dead. Over time, the holiday expanded beyond the Civil War to commemorate those who died in all American conflicts—from World War I and II to Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. In 1971, Congress made it a federal holiday on its current date to create a three-day weekend.

On this day, we memorialize not abstract ideas of war, but real people—sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers—who laid down their lives. We remember their courage, their willingness to face danger for the sake of others, and the profound cost of freedom and security. Flags fly at half-staff, taps is played, and moments of silence remind us that freedom is never free.

 The Veterans We Must Not Forget

While Memorial Day specifically honors the deceased, it inevitably draws our thoughts to all veterans—those who returned home bearing physical and invisible wounds. Society often forgets them after the parades end. Many veterans struggle with PTSD, homelessness, inadequate healthcare, and a sense of isolation in a fast-paced, consumer-driven culture. We wave flags on holidays but sometimes fail to support the policies, funding, and community care that honor their ongoing service. True remembrance demands more than ceremonies; it calls for gratitude, advocacy, and active support for those who protected us.

 A Personal Journey: From Opposition to Appreciation

In my early college days, I was firmly against soldiers, the Army, the Marines, and the military in general. I viewed them as instruments that caused violence and encouraged war. Influenced by idealistic pacifism and campus activism, I saw military force as inherently aggressive rather than defensive. It took years of maturity, study, and reflection for wisdom to temper that view. I came to understand that, in a fallen world, a strong defense is often necessary to preserve life, liberty, and justice.

The Bible itself acknowledges this reality. God commands angelic armies and has used military force for self-preservation. In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua encounters the "commander of the army of the Lord" with a drawn sword—evidence of divine military order. Elisha's servant sees "horses and chariots of fire" surrounding them (2 Kings 6:17), protecting God's people. The Israelites repeatedly battled in self-defense under God's allowance, as in the conquest narratives or against oppressors like the Philistines and Assyrians. David declares in 1 Samuel 17:45 that he comes "in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel."

Catholic Church teaching aligns with this nuanced view through the Just War tradition, developed by St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas and enshrined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (nos. 2307-2317). War is never ideal, but legitimate defense can be a grave duty when grave harm is certain, all peaceful means fail, there is reasonable hope of success, and the response is proportionate. The Church obliges citizens and governments to work for the avoidance of war but affirms the right to self-defense.

Early Church Fathers wrestled with these tensions. While many, like Tertullian and Origen, expressed strong reservations about Christians in military service (emphasizing love of enemies and the Kingdom of God), the tradition evolved to recognize the legitimacy of defending the innocent. St. Augustine argued that peace is the goal, but force may sometimes be required to restrain evil. The Church has consistently taught a presumption for peace while allowing for just defense.

Personally, I would not choose to serve in any war unless there were no other way to protect my family and nation. I still long for a world without troops, weapons, or armies or need for them—a world of perfect harmony. Yet that remains wishful thinking. Humans are still primitive in many ways: tribal, fearful, and combative. Sin fractures our relationships, and evil forces exploit that brokenness. Until Christ returns to make all things new, prudent defense remains a sad necessity.

I now support our troops wholeheartedly. They stand in the gap so that civilians like me can debate, worship, and live in relative security. Their sacrifices remind us of the ultimate sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for all.

 A Prayer for Veterans and Peace

Lord God of Hosts,  

We thank You for the men and women who have defended justice, protected the innocent, and sacrificed everything for our nation. Comfort the families of those who gave their lives. Heal the wounds—visible and invisible—of those who returned. Grant eternal rest to the fallen and strength to the living.  

Convert the hearts of the violent and the war-makers. Inspire leaders to pursue peace with justice. Help us build a world where swords are beaten into plowshares, as the prophets foretold (Isaiah 2:4).  

Through the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel and all warrior saints, grant us wisdom, courage, and true peace—the peace that surpasses all understanding. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.  

May we live each day worthy of their sacrifice, working tirelessly for a more just and peaceful world. God bless our veterans, living and deceased.

St. Martin of Tours: The Soldier Who Became a Saint

St. Martin of Tours: The Soldier Who Became a Saint

St. Martin of Tours is one of the most beloved and revered saints in Christian history, known for his compassion, humility, and dedication to spreading the faith. He is the patron saint of France, soldiers, tailors, vintners, beggars, and numerous other groups and places. Celebrated as the father of monasticism in Gaul (modern-day France) and the first great leader of Western monasticism, his life story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. But who was St. Martin, and how did he rise from a Roman soldier to a saint whose legacy endures centuries later?

Early Life and Conversion

St. Martin was born in 316 or 336 in Sabaria, Pannonia (now Szombathely, Hungary), to pagan parents within the Roman Empire. His father, a senior officer in the Roman army, expected Martin to follow a military path, and at age 15, Martin joined the cavalry, serving in the elite imperial guard. Despite his military upbringing, Martin’s heart was drawn to Christianity. At age 10, he encountered the faith and chose to become a catechumen, preparing for baptism. He was deeply inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ and the courage of Christian martyrs who died for their beliefs.

The most iconic story of Martin’s life occurred while he was stationed in Gaul (modern-day France). On a freezing winter day near the city gates of Amiens, Martin encountered a beggar shivering in tattered clothing. Moved by compassion, Martin drew his sword and cut his military cloak in half, giving one part to the beggar to keep him warm. That night, Martin had a vision of Jesus Christ wearing the half-cloak, surrounded by angels, declaring, “Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe.” This profound experience solidified Martin’s faith, leading him to be baptized at age 18. The story of the cloak became a defining moment, symbolizing his lifelong commitment to charity and humility.

Leaving the Army and Becoming a Monk

Following his baptism, Martin sought to leave the military to dedicate his life to God. His decision was met with resistance from his superiors, who accused him of cowardice and disloyalty to the empire. To prove his courage, Martin boldly offered to stand unarmed before the enemy, trusting in God’s protection. Imprisoned for his refusal to fight, he was released after a peace treaty ended the conflict, allowing him to pursue his spiritual calling.

Martin traveled to Poitiers, where he met Bishop Hilary, a prominent theologian and defender of orthodox Christianity against the Arian heresy, which denied Christ’s divinity. Hilary became Martin’s mentor and spiritual guide, encouraging him to embrace a monastic life. Around 360, Martin founded a community of hermits at Ligugé, near Poitiers, establishing the first known monastery in Gaul. There, he and his followers lived in simplicity, dedicating themselves to prayer, fasting, charity, and manual labor. This community laid the foundation for Western monasticism, influencing religious life across Europe.

Becoming a Bishop and a Missionary

Martin’s reputation for holiness, coupled with reports of miracles—such as healing the sick and casting out demons—drew widespread admiration. In 371, the people of Tours acclaimed him as their bishop, despite his reluctance to accept the role. Martin agreed but insisted on maintaining his monastic lifestyle, avoiding the pomp often associated with episcopal office. He established another monastery, Marmoutier, outside Tours, where he trained disciples who became instrumental in spreading Christianity throughout Gaul.

As a bishop, Martin was a tireless missionary, traveling to rural areas where paganism remained deeply rooted. He preached the gospel with zeal, often destroying pagan temples and replacing them with Christian churches or charitable institutions. His approach was not merely destructive; he sought to win hearts through dialogue, miracles, and acts of kindness. Martin also fearlessly confronted political and religious authorities who supported Arianism or oppressed Christians. His advocacy extended to the marginalized, as he defended the poor, prisoners, and those unjustly accused. In one notable instance, he intervened to prevent the execution of members of the Priscillianist sect, a group of ascetics condemned by the emperor, demonstrating his commitment to mercy and justice.

Miracles and Spiritual Influence

Throughout his life, Martin was associated with numerous miracles that reinforced his reputation as a holy man. Beyond healing the sick, he was said to have raised the dead, including a catechumen who died before baptism. According to his biographer, Sulpicius Severus, Martin’s prayers brought the man back to life, allowing him to be baptized and testify to God’s power. Other accounts describe Martin calming storms, exorcising demons, and even communicating with animals, reflecting his deep connection to God’s creation. These miracles not only converted many to Christianity but also inspired his disciples to emulate his faith and compassion.

Martin’s influence extended beyond his lifetime. His emphasis on monastic discipline, combined with active missionary work, shaped the development of Christianity in Western Europe. His model of combining contemplation with action became a blueprint for later monastic movements, including those of St. Benedict.

Death and Legacy

St. Martin died on November 8, 397, in Candes, near Tours, while on a pastoral visit. His death was marked by widespread grief, and his body was brought back to Tours, where he was buried on November 11—now celebrated as his feast day in both Western and Eastern Christian traditions. His tomb in Tours became a major pilgrimage site, drawing devotees from across Europe seeking healing and spiritual renewal.

The legacy of St. Martin is vast and enduring. His cloak, known as the cappa, became a sacred relic carried into battle by Frankish kings, giving rise to the term “chapel” (from cappella, meaning “little cloak”), as these relics were housed in small sanctuaries. His life was chronicled by Sulpicius Severus, whose biography, The Life of St. Martin, is one of the earliest hagiographies of a non-martyr saint, preserving Martin’s story for posterity.

St. Martin’s cult spread rapidly, with churches and monasteries dedicated to him across Europe, from France to Ireland to Italy. His feast day, November 11, known as Martinmas, became a significant cultural and religious event, often marked by feasts, processions, and acts of charity. In many regions, Martinmas signaled the end of the harvest season and the beginning of preparations for winter, with traditions like roasting geese (inspired by a legend where geese betrayed Martin’s hiding place when he tried to avoid becoming bishop).

Enduring Relevance

Today, St. Martin remains a powerful symbol of selflessness, courage, and devotion. His act of sharing his cloak with a beggar continues to inspire acts of charity, particularly during times of hardship. His life bridges the worlds of military service, monastic discipline, and pastoral leadership, making him a patron for diverse groups. Soldiers look to him for courage, tailors for craftsmanship, and vintners for the harvest, while his compassion for the poor resonates universally.

St. Martin’s story also speaks to modern audiences grappling with questions of faith, duty, and social justice. His willingness to challenge authority for the sake of truth and mercy offers a timeless example of moral integrity. As a pioneer of monasticism and a missionary who transformed the spiritual landscape of Gaul, St. Martin of Tours remains a towering figure in Christian history, celebrated for his humility, charity, and unwavering faith.

References

1. Sulpicius Severus, The Life of St. Martin of Tours, trans. Alexander Roberts, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 11, 1894.

2. Butler, Alban, Butler’s Lives of the Saints, Vol. 11, Burns & Oates, 1995.

3. Farmer, David Hugh, The Oxford Dictionary of Saints, 5th ed., Oxford University Press, 2011.

4. Pernoud, Régine, Martin of Tours: Soldier, Bishop, and Saint, Ignatius Press, 2006.

5. Catholic Encyclopedia, “St. Martin of Tours,” New Advent, 1911.

UK Soldier Attacked

"You who have Faith! show integrity for the sake of God, bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a people incite you into not being just. Be just. That is closer to piety. Have piety of God. God is aware of what you do." Qur'an 5: 8

Lee Rigby (pictured above), a British soldier was minding his own business wearing a Help for Heros hoodie not knowing what would occur.  Two deranged individuals hit him with their car running him over.  This was not a car accident for these two individuals would get out of their vehicle with knives and meat cleavers.  They attack the injured soldier to the point of nearly decapitating his head completely.

The gross event took place in front of many witnesses including a lady who tried to get the perpetrators to stop and talked to them until the authorities arrived.  Their motive was clear as one of them spoke to her holding the weapons in his hands full of Rigby's blood.  The attacker said:    

“We swear by Almighty Allah, we will never stop fighting you until you leave us alone. The only reasons we killed this man is because Muslims are dying daily. This British soldier is an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,You will never be safe. Remove your government. They don’t care about you. I apologize that women had to witness this but in our land women have to see the same.”

This attack was meant to be a message of vengeance for Muslims killed in the War on Terror.  This is scary indeed.  Rigby became a victim just because he was a soldier and his nation is involved in the War of Terror.  

Apparently the attackers did not read the Quran quote I posted under Rigby's photo.  It says, and I paraphrase:  to show integrity for God's sake; do not let hatred for people incite you to become unjust.  Perhaps the most powerful words ends the quote: "God is aware of what you do."  God is certainly aware and saw these attackers kill this innocent soldier.  These two individuals betrayed God and their Islamic faith by committing this horrendous act.  

However, Rigby's death was not in vain.  The Help for Heros website crashed after millions visited it in order to donate in his honor.  May Lee Rigby rest in peace and may God teach all people of faith that killing one another is not His will.       

Source:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/soldier_beheaded_final_london_terror_B0kxKUmf4rcNHSY6bGkFGK

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/10073910/Woolwich-attack-terrorist-proclaimed-an-eye-for-an-eye-after-attack.html

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/citizen-warrior/2013/may/22/video-british-soldier-beheaded-attackers-shouting-/

http://www.policymic.com/articles/44089/lee-rigby-murder-not-even-our-failures-in-iraq-and-afghanistan-can-justify-this