Veterans Day Column

Veterans Day used to be called Armistice Day. It refers to the cessation of fighting for World War I on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month, 1918. We’re in the the hundredth anniversary of that bloodshed.  Let’s quickly review the loss of life in that mechanized advent of 20^th century warfare. The marking of the day changed into Veterans Day in 1954 after the untold losses of WWII and the losses suffered in Korea by congressional amendment. From all causes over 100,00 Americans died in our limited involvement  WWI. This is dwarfed by the 17 million killed in the entire conflict.

As Sassoon wrote:

“They leave their trenches, going over the top, 
While time ticks blank and busy on their wrists, 
And hope, with furtive eyes and grappling fists, 
Flounders in mud. O Jesus, make it stop!”

In my memory, the village where I was raised did not mark the day very much. Sometimes a small gathering was held at the memorial on the hill toward the Catholic church. When I went into bars for lunch, sometimes the men would mutter some words about the war, meaning WWII. Vietnam did not seem to enter their notion of war. I do recall that when I served Mass on Veterans Day, we prayed for Gold Star mothers and widows, and I still see the pain etched in the bowed faces of women in the church. I grasp the meaning of the red flowers for vets, and the reference to ‘Flanders Field. I am pleased that veterans are offered tokens of appreciation today: the free food, the oil changes, etc.  At the same time, it feels a bit tinny to me, as the token does not match  the tasks they undertook.

This would be a good time to try to collect and collate memories of veterans. One of my regrets is that  I have no access to my father’s tour in the Merchant Marine during WWII. That generation and those that follow are often reluctant to speak of their experiences, but maybe they do have some stories to share, as in the veteran projects that try to hold that living history before the elderly vets pass on.

I find Veterans Day difficult in Christian churches that live for the Prince of Peace. Granted, many churches hold to just war positions. Others maintain a more pacifist stance. In our time, we are threatened by the church standing utterly with a martial culture. We cannot celebrate warriors in wars won or lost, even as we honor their martial virtues and the deep example of sacrifice, indeed of laying down one’s life for a friend.” In churches, wars are a cause for mourning and work for peace to return.

the church could do well in remembering not only those who fought in the armed services but also the casualties of war, military and civilian. As a prayer from the Episcopal church reads we pray for veterans of all wars, including those who “live with injured bodies and traumatized spirits to receive your solace and healing.

We ask that those who are unable to pray for themselves will receive the blessings of our prayers offered on their behalf. Bring peace to those places where our women and men have fought. Bless those who served in non-combatant roles. May their service continue in their lives and may that service be positive for all of us.

Give us the vision to see a world in which all grow weary with war and fighting, and turn their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. These things we ask in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.”