Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the “Stars and Stripes” as the official flag of the United States of America on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress, making it the third oldest of all national standards of the world. It is worthy to honor this symbol of America and all that it represents….
Memorial Day is about honoring the fallen, giving thanks to all who have served and who are serving. It is about supporting the men and women who day after day put their lives on the line so that you and I can be free.
Chris Stefanick’s beautiful video tribute to Servant of God, Father Emil Kapaun, reminds us of all the heroic men and women who have served our nation in the military.
Memorial Day reminds us of the tenacity of principles, values, and convictions. The other day, someone was laughing and saying, “Oh, this salad is to die for.” Oh no. Definitely no. No mere salad, as delicious as it may be, is something to “die for.” For our principles and values, our deeply-held religious heritage, yes, these are something to “die for.” And that is what Memorial Day reminds us of…
Lincoln gave his “House Divided” address on June 16, 1858, upon accepting the Illinois Republican Party’s nomination for United States senator. Lincoln drew on the words of Our Lord: “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand” (Mark 3:25). In his introductory words Lincoln stated: “A house divided against itself cannot stand…I do not expect the Union to be dissolved – I do not expect the house to fall …
As a child, on both Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day, I remember seeing men dressed in various military uniforms selling paper flowers – poppies – white if your veteran was living and red if deceased.
The quest for freedom is as old as mankind itself and arguably, nowhere does the concept of freedom hold a loftier place in the national consciousness than in the United States.