"This is the day we pay homage
to all those who didn't come home.
This is not Veterans Day,
it's not a
celebration,
it is a day of solemn contemplation
over the cost of freedom."
–Tamra Bolton
I agree with Tamra Bolton and I hope we find time, make time, for some solemn contemplation.
I meant
to keep this touchstone very short, but contemplation lead me to think:
The truth is: Many of us do celebrate on this day, and in many ways.
We have barbeques,
parades, and graduation parties. We plant gardens. We go to beaches. We shop for appliances and patio furniture.
However, we do have many memorial services.
In our memorializing, some of us stretch our honoring from those who died in
service to appreciating all who served in the past and all who now serve. And we celebrate.
And some of us give little or no thought to the intention and the meaning behind this day.
But instead of judging and finding fault with ourselves and others about how we respond to this day, perhaps another way to honor those who died for freedom and peace is to foster these principles.
To honor those who died, let's refrain from judging and live this day honorably, with gratitude and kindness. Let's choose words and actions that soften fear and hate, heal the hurts within us and among us, and encourage health and harmony.
For life, love, liberty, equality, justice, and peace.
With reverence,
Charlene
THE NINTH GIFT IS REVERENCE.
May you appreciate the wonder
that you are
and the miracle of all creation.
from THE TWELVE GIFTS OF BIRTH
