Rev. Dr. Mike Wooton

I was going to give the welcome and invocation at 33rd annual Memorial Day service in Swansea, IL today. Canceled. I was looking forwarding to serving and to have a moment to reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice given for freedom. I’ll miss having that public moment to pause this year.

Val and I will watch “1917” tonight, a movie based on British soldiers during WW I. Watching it on Memorial Day feels like silliness and consumerism at its best. Still, we do it to get a glimpse into what is unimaginable for her and I; the cost of war. Lives lost. Families devastated. Fathers and mothers losing sons and daughters. Sons and daughters losing fathers and mothers. Spouses lost.  A forever hole in a family’s history. 

I’m sad that I missed a Memorial Day service. I’m glad I get to sit on the couch, watch a war movie with my wife, while my 2 children sleep safely in their bed. The reason I can? Brave men and women who gave their bodies for a cause they felt that was worth dying. 

I publicly thank them, acknowledge their families and promise again this year to do my best to allow their sacrifice to bring perspective into my life.  

Below is one of the prayers I was going to pray today. Maybe it will help you take a moment and pause. 

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, bless us as we remember those we have lost. We give thanks for all those, who have lived to serve this country and those who have laid down their lives in the service for our Country. May those who have died rest in peace, and may their families be blessed.  May the good work of seeking justice for the oppressed and peace for all mankind be rewarded with success, that all sacrifices of our military members shall not have been in vain. And may we never fail to remember the awesome cost of the freedom which we enjoy. Thank you, in the name of the Father son and Holy Spirit. Amen.  

(Modified from the Military Chaplain’s manual)