"The upbeat greeting of 'Happy
Memorial Day,' said with the same enthusiasm of Independence Day, has
always seemed off to me. This somber national holiday honors the dead
rather than focusing on a particular victory. Also known as Decoration
Day, the holiday began in the wake of the Civil War. At that time,
flowers began to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers from both sides
of the war during the peak spring bloom - late April in the south and late
May in the north. Placing a flower on a grave brings one face-to-face
with death, sacrifice, and life after death. How does one have a Happy
Memorial Day? It's akin to asking how one has a happy funeral.
"The question of how best to
commemorate the dead is a question of religion. Without faith, Memorial
Day consists solely in cookouts, trips, and parades that celebrate the
freedom our nation enjoys. Sure, these activities celebrate the fruits
of our servicemen and women's sacrifice, but it also turns Memorial Day
into merely the start of summer, the day of dispensation to don white
linen pants. . . .
"Our Catholic faith, particularly the Mass, helps us to celebrate Memorial Day as true patriots. For one, we pray for the dead. . . . In addition to praying for the dead, the Mass also brings time together. . . ."
In a recent commentary, Brother Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P., reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day and on a good way for Catholics to observe this special day.
To access Br. Irenaeus' complete post, please visit:
Dominicana: Happy Memorial Day? (28 MAY 18)
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