Memorial day

Remember the faces, names, and stories of people killed in war. So that we never think of war, or violence of any kind, as a solution to anything.

This morning (Saturday) I heard the story of a soldier in the Vietnam war whose job was to identify his fellow soldiers’ bodies, and inform their loved ones.

Fifty years later, he still holds that pain. He cannot forget the faces of the dead.

Here’s a suggestion for those who use Memorial Day as a superficial call to patriotism: how about every person who is in the decision-making apparatus for war - every one who authorizes combat of any kind - serves a week in the job this veteran held.

Let’s make sure we all remember those faces, names, and stories. So that we never think of war, or violence of any kind, as a solution to anything.

I hope this is the only somber note in your weekend of celebration and welcoming of summer, my friends.

With love and gratitude.