Remembering those who have sacrificed

Hi, all!

In yesterday's newspaper I read about the Tolling the Boats ceremony at Keyport Museum. The bell was tolled for each of the 52 submarines lost in World War Two, plus two more submarines lost at sea later. The loss of submarines in WWII is not generally acknowledged... it was only when I came to submarine country that I realized the tremendous sacrifices given by submariners.

One of the WWII submarine vets in attendance said, "It was a volunteer part of the Navy. Everyone volunteered and took our chances." On Memorial Day we remember those who volunteered to serve their country and were lost in battle.

It reminds me again how tragic war is. How many lives lost, and how much destruction. How many young men and women with so much promise, lost. I don't know if war is necessary. It seems to me that war is a complete waste of lives and resources. but I honor those who have given their lives in sacrifice, and those who serve our country with fidelity and courage.

J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, "War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend." (The Two Towers)

As always, I find the words of the Prayer Book to be dignified and gracious:

"Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead: We give thee thanks for all thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence; and give us such a lively sense of thy righteous will, that the work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen." (BCP, p. 488)

Tomorrow we'll honor the fallen with that prayer as we seek to continue "the work which thou hast begun in them."

Bill