Celebrating Those who Laid Down their Lives

I became the pastor of St. Alphonsus Church in Deerfield, MI, in 2000. In participating in the village observation of Memorial Day, I deepened my appreciation for the real reason we observe this holiday. Deerfield is a small farm community in SE Michigan. In the year 2000, the population was around 890 souls. In some ways, it is a typical American community, but in other important ways, it lives, closer to the heart, some things reflecting what it means to be American. Memorial Day is one of these things. 

The day always began with mass at 8 am in the St. Alphonsus cemetery, complete with mosquitoes and famous “noseeums” that drive folks crazy. We followed mass with coffee and donuts as we waited for civic groups from the village to join us. Those joining us included the volunteer firefighters and their trucks, representatives from the local VFW, the high school band, and other dignitaries. After this group gathered, there was a short ceremony where I welcomed everyone and provided a brief, inspirational talk. Then, with everyone at attention, the high school band played the National Anthem and Taps, followed by a 21-gun salute with VFW representatives dressed in their uniforms from WW II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam war. 

The next activity was a town parade, where those mentioned above were joined by anyone driving an antique car or tractor, kids on decorated bikes, the high school band, officials from the VFW in convertibles, fire trucks and anyone who had something to show off. Almost the whole town sat in lawn chairs watching the parade as kids ran around collecting the candy thrown by those in the parade. The parade passed through the entire town ending at the VFW Hall -a trip not much more than two blocks long, oh which the second block is called  “downtown” by the locals.

Before arriving at the VFW Hall, there was a stop on the bridge over the Raisin River with carnations throw over the side for those who died at sea. At the VFW Hall, a wreath was laid at the memorial for those who died in the service, and a reflection provided by some local dignitary - one time, it featured Miss Raisin River. Again, the high school band played followed by another 21-gun salute. This process was repeated immediately in the Deerfield Township Cemetery, another block to the west side of town. 

We concluded the annual event with hot dogs, sodas, and coffee back at the VFW. The whole event took about two hours. 

This annual observation by the village reveals the reason for Memorial Day, honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice - giving their lives in service of our country. Indeed, these words of Christ come to mind: No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (Jn 15:13) Francis de Sales encourages us to believe that, Friendship begun in this life, will last for all eternity. Let’s make sure we don’t let this Memorial Day go by without pausing to remember, to thank, and to keep in prayers those who made this ultimate sacrifice.

Fr. Jack Loughran, OSFS
Provincial
Toledo-Detroit Province