The Blessings of Memory
A
Message for Memorial Day 2016
by
Rabbi Boaz D. Heilman
The United States has been involved in wars since its
founding. It’s a grim history. Perhaps this fact simply reveals humanity’s
belligerent nature, or maybe it reflects the role the US sees itself as playing
on the world’s stage, at least since the middle of the 20th century. Thrust into power after World War One, and as
this position was solidified after the Second World War, America saw itself—and
has been seen by many—as the unquestionable leader of the free world.
The United States has fought wars both in order to maintain
this position, but also to carry out the moral responsibilities it felt came
with being a world leader. Tyranny, mass enslavement and genocide had to be
stopped. That was one lesson that came
out of the Holocaust, a lesson the United States understood.
There are responsibilities that come with power. Leadership is never simple; there are those
both from within the system and from outside it who question the leader’s
abilities and qualifications. Some of
the wars America became involved in seemed to reflect less than pure
motivations.
Wars are fought. Causes are redefined. Goals and red lines are drawn and re-drawn. Politicians argue. Historians offer different views and
perspectives. Little by little, the wars
recede in our memories, and find a place somewhere in the back pages of our
minds.
But there is another, more tragic aspect to war, one that
never disappears. People lose their
lives. People are hurt physically,
emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Families are shattered. The hurt and pain continue well beyond the
actual fighting, reaching into the second, third and even fourth generation.
Perhaps that is a good thing. Perhaps the accumulated pain will one day
result in people saying, “Enough! Enough bloodshed! Enough pain and suffering!”
That is one reason for remembering those who served.
But there are other reasons.
Memorial Day Weekend has become a holiday instead of a
commemoration. Newspapers and other
media are filled with flyers and ads for sales, special store events and yet
more opportunities to satisfy our never-ending greed for things, for objects,
for yet more and more stuff.
Memorial Day should remind us of what really matters in
life. And that isn’t the “stuff” that we
accumulate.
How wonderful that this day also serves as the unofficial
beginning of summer! We can go out on
picnics, walks or reunions with our families, loved ones and friends. Because that is what really matters. The love we share, give and receive in
return—that’s what matters.
There are those who go to national cemeteries to remember
lost loved ones, the sacrifices they made so that we could be here today,
alive and content. To remember—and
to give thanks. That’s what Memorial Day is about.
There are those who go to veteran’s hospitals and homes. This is a day that brings back all the
sadness they thought they had left behind—but which they never actually could
or did. Lost limbs remind them. Lost
friends, comrades and buddies are an empty void that constantly calls out to
them.
Memorial Day should remind us of the losses America and
Americans have suffered in defense of our ideals.
Memorial Day should be cause for quiet reflection on what we
all lost and what we all gained in the many wars America has fought.
Sometime this weekend, when we are all alone or perhaps when
we are all together, let’s pause for a moment.
Let’s offer a prayer: That all
the pain, suffering and loss not be in vain; that love vanquish hate; that
light banish darkness; that war will finally cease.
And as we do that, let’s remember all those who have
sacrificed life or limb so that we can be here today. May our lives reflect only the best we have
to offer.
Memory and hope go hand in hand. May we, in company with all those who are no
longer with us, go forward toward a better, more peaceful tomorrow.
Shabbat shalom and a meaningful, peaceful Memorial Day to
all.
© 2016 by Boaz D. Heilman
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