Show THOUGHTS ON MEMORIAL DAY we hear many references to this day as a time to honor our dead heroes and over and over again we are reminded that this is the first peacetime Meni memorial orial day in five years we wonder why it is referred to as a peacetime when there is continued figh fighting tint in some quarters and so much of unrest in our own land and what is more until peace has been officially declared the term is a misnomer although the present assertion of peace is in keeping with the biblical statement which reads and they shall say peace but there will be no peace how true this is and how sad when we think of honoring the dead who gave their all that we might have peace all through the ages war has taken its toll of lives and the aftermath of all wars has brought untold suffering upon the defeated nations as well as upon many who were considered to be on the winning side how futile the word victory when it is only a question of time bea before ore new complications i arise which lead to further attempts on the part of nations to seek more power or to regain what may have been lost in previous time during the past century there have been short wars and longer periods of warfare and americans have been called into service not only to defend our own so called rights 1 but to come to the aid of britain and france when their defeat seemed certain even though there may be a great majority of the american people who want no part in in war they are helpless when the call to arms is proclaimed by war leaders and the president on the other hand under the guise of patriotism and the urge of propagandists many are drawn into the war picture before stopping to count the cost the lure of big wages for those who take part in the production of war material usually overcomes all thought of the awfulness of warfare for those who must go to the battle fronts and it is not until each memorial day comes that they are brought face to face with the results of the fighting and their part in it so on this another memorial day as in all previous time there are reminders which bring sadness to many although it is well to honor the dead this is a time to do more for the living not only for the thousands who are lying in hospitals or who are among the hopelessly maimed but for many families who are now deprived of their loved ones and especially for the fatherless children of all nations the men who were fortunate enough to return in full form and good health are not looking for honors unless they be among that group which takes advantage of all benefits rather than to seek employment and get back to civilian life as some are doing liere here and elsewhere although they are entitled to every consideration promised by the government in return for the sacrifices made during months or years of service we honor and admire most those who are making light of their experiences and who are now picking up the thread of life again happy to be with their loved ones and willing to do their part as members of their respective communities As we count the losses and take note of the changes wrought as result of the past five years we too are grateful that so many san juan families are together again on this memorial day we pay tribute to all of our fine young men and women who have served or who are still engaged in some branch of service an and we offer prayer for those who have passed into the beyond for we know that they too will carry on with the great unseen army and that their reward in the heavenly realms is assured |