Gary Hall, rector of Christ Church, Cranbrook, has written an excellent reflection on Memorial Day. I invite you to add link to other Memorial Day reflections in the comments.
He wrote:
Wilfred Owen died in battle just a week before the Armistice in 1918. His poems have stood as a reminder that, given the mechanized, hi tech efficiency with which we now can kill each other, modern warfare will be exponentially ever more grisly both to participate and behold. Our notions of heroism must evolve with the evolution of warfare. We should correspondingly praise and thank those who engage in military service on our behalf.
If Memorial Day means anything to us as followers of Jesus, we must see it as an occasion to renew our commitment to stand and work for peace, to help build a world in which the youth of our country will be able to live the fullness of their lives in the blessings of peace. As we celebrate this day, let us give thanks for those who have given their lives, let us honor those who continue to serve, and let us dedicate ourselves to being agents of blessing and peace.





from a pre-Memorial Day Wall Street Journal editorial:
“What Monday Means – A Memorial Day tradition renewed: Kudos to Jason DeSena Trennert for starting a campaign to bring the poppy back to Wall Street …”
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Wore a construction-paper poppy, fabricated with grandson for Veterans’/Remembrance Day, to church last Sunday. The brand new rector – child & grandchild of bishops – had no idea what it represented.
Want to experience Remembrance Sunday solemnly observed next November? Check the St. Thomas-Fifth Avenue webcast. I believe that the priests may even wear poppies on their stoles. How, um, English!
“If in some smothering dream…”
Memory eternal, Wilfrid Owen—and all who have given their lives for their countries/causes.
WAR NO MORE!!!
JC Fisher
God of love and mercy, receive our thanks this day for the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. Help us to honor them in our work for peace through justice, that people across the globe may live abundant lives freed from the threat of war and violence. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.
Susan Russell