This past Monday was Memorial Day in our nation, a day of remembering those who died in the service and defense of this country. Many articles and blogs reflected upon how we have forgotten the true meaning of the day. In many ways that is true.
But here in the Irwin/North Huntingdon Township area Memorial Day is a big thing, especially the parade and cemetery service. It is locally one of the biggest parades of the year. This year, in a momentary lack of good judgement, they asked me to take part. The parade started at ten o'clock and proceeded to Union Cemetery. I got to ride in a limo in the parade. It was uplifting and affirming to hear so many shout a greeting of recognition. Then there were those who said: "There's that priest - what's his name?" or "Hi, Father Rick" (my predecessor - its a good thing we're good friends and I'm not insecure). Pastor Patrick Ewing of the Ardara U.P. Church also shared in the prayer task, and shared the ride. He too received many greetings.
At the cemetery, the program was long (given the temperature) but very moving. This year the local organizers - the VFW & the American Legion - honored a local man, Staff Sgt. Robert "Bobby" Acalotto, who went missing in action on February 20, 1971 on the Vietnam-Laos border, some forty years ago this year. His family received the military and civic recognition and honors. The speeches, the songs, the military honors from the Honor Guard, and even the prayers of Pastor Ewing and myself gave solemnity and proper dignity to a community's remembering. I was truly glad for the opportunity.
My Dad did not lose his life in WWII, but came back to serve the community as a policeman. He and all those who have served, whether killed in action or having died later or still serving or who have entered into civilian life and are still with us, deserve the thanks of a grateful nation. And Memorial Day needs to be a Day of Remembering.
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