Rabbi's Sermon
In an instant we are here, and in another instant we
are not. Some call it the journey of life. It is a common expression.
However, life, as we know it, can be more than a journey. Life can be
exciting. Life can be a trip to places never imagined. Life can be all
these things and more, even as we gain years.
Some look into a mirror and see nothing but age,
which seems to have appeared without notice. Others look into a mirror
and see maturity as a sign of longevity and survival. Still others look
into a mirror and see only the past — no regard for the present or the
future.
How do we reconcile reality and fantasy? How do we
determine that the time we have been allotted deserves our complete
attention? How do we make our wishes come true? Finally, how do we mix
all this together to bring fulfillment to our lives?
All these questions, as we gaze into the mirror of
truth, are not entirely answerable. I would imagine that these thoughts
ran through the minds of our service men and women who were thrust into
harm’s way because of turmoil within the framework of human existence.
Perhaps these brave men and women thought of what was and what could be
in the same instance.
We pause as a nation to pay tribute to all of them
in an tribute called Memorial Day. The thrill of the ride is over for
these soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, National Guardsmen, and
merchant marines. Now, we gather to recognize the drama that became
history. There are no more tomorrows or dreams that give them purpose
and hope. For them, there is no more of so much that we take for
granted.
Our nation recognizes the
frailties of life and the sacrifices made on our behalf. We pause to
remember.
More than that, however, we express our
gratitude in our sorrow because we understand that without their
devotion, we would not be here to remember.
Some of us will cry. Some of us will bow our heads
in pain. Some of us will visit cemeteries. Some of us will picnic and
join family gatherings. There is no wrong way to commemorate the moment
of remembrance. I would suggest that perhaps we should also find a way
to smile, because we celebrate the values of life afforded us through
human offerings.
Each display of allegiance
should remind us about the goodness of today and the blessings of
tomorrow. I am reminded of a cartoon I saw in which a child is kneeling
in prayer and says, “....and just so You know, I had a very good day
today, so I’d like more of the same tomorrow.”
This is how we can pay our respects to the
many who no longer walk among us.
We can always find reasons to complain, but a simple
gesture of gratitude can also wipe away the feelings of regret. On the
solemn occasion of Memorial Day, we should express our thankfulness for
being all together. Our words and gestures should remind us how
fortunate we are to live in a country that cherishes the sacredness of
life.
Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D