This Memorial Day weekend, as we head to family cookouts, venture to the beach or enjoy other beginning-of-summer activities, I encourage all to take some time to reflect on the true meaning of this holiday. On Memorial Day, we honor and mourn the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military throughout our history, paying the ultimate price for our freedom.
I ask the faithful of the Diocese of Arlington and others of goodwill to make their own sacrifice this weekend to recall those service men and women who have gone before us. Offering some community service, a commemoration, a quiet prayer or just a moment of reflection is a meaningful way to cherish their memory. There are also numerous memorials and military cemeteries in our diocese and region where we can visit and pay homage to our local fallen heroes.
We also remember the grieving families of those lost, who made a unique sacrifice. There are empty seats where their loved ones should be sitting around the picnic table this weekend. The loss in these families is felt every day, not just on Memorial Day. We remember all those who died and pray they find peace in God’s everlasting love.
Now and always, we are grateful for the selfless gift of these heroes and their families. May God reward those who die in the line of duty and comfort those who mourn them, and may God bless America.
