Katy Zatisck, RCWP
Memorial Day Reflection 2011
Five years ago today I was in residence at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC supporting my son Captain Jason as he recovered from Very Serious Injuries (VSI) in Iraq. (Please see www.CaptJason.blogspot.comm for info begin reading October 2005.)On Memorial Day I was invited to a memorial service by a mother K of a son who had attended Tank Commander School with Jason. Ken was her only child and her only son. He was killed in Iraq shortly after the invasion began in 2003. K had contacted me at WR to see if Jason would talk about her son and their time together. K wanted to know everything she could about her son, now deceased 2 years. Today she and her family, friends and Ken's finance who was a RN for Jason at WR will meet at Arlington National Cemetery. They will remember Ken with stories, tears and laughter. They will release a balloon and pour beer on his grave. My heart is with them today as I remember my time with them in 2006 and who they are today. K continues to speak strongly for an end to war.Today I remember Gilda and her Marine Alex, her only son and only child. As a member of Military Family Speaks Out (MFSO) Gilda visited and offered support to Jason and I while I was at WR. Alex was killed in Iraq early May 2006 and I attended his funeral at Arlington Cemetery. His headstone is a very short way from Ken's. I haven't heard much from Gilda in the intervening years. I pray that she has found peace on this 5th anniversary since Alex's death.
Today as I was reading the Liturgy of the Hours, I saw the reference to prayers for today in the Sacramentary.
I would like to include some of these prayers for today as a deepening of our Memorial Day reflections and prayers.
Some words have been changed to be inclusive.
For Peace and Justice
God our Creator you reveal that those who work for peaceare called your sons and daughters.
Help us to work without ceasing for that justicewhich brings true and everlasting peace.and Loving Creator,you guide all creation with care.
As you have given all women and men one common origin,bring them together peacefully into one familyand keep them united in love as sisters and brothers.and Loving God,creator of the worldyou establish the order which governs all the ages.
Hear our prayer and give peace in our time that we may rejoice in your mercy and praise you without end.and God of perfect peace,violence and cruelty can have no part with you.
May those who are at peace with one another hold fast to the good will that unites them;may those who are enemies forget their hatred and be healed.
Prayers in Time of War
God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride.
Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters.and God our Creator, maker of love and peace, to know you is to live,and to serve you is to live in the kindom.
All our faith is in your saving help;protect us from violenceand keep us safe from weapons of hate.and Loving God remember Christ your Son who is peace itself and who wash ed away our hatred with his blood.
Because you love humanity, look with mercy on us.
Banish the violence and evil within us,and by this offering (of gifts) restore tranquility and peace.and(for prayer after communion)
Beloved Creator, you satisfy our hunger with the one bread that gives strength to humanity, Help us to overcome war and violence,and to establish your law of love and justice.
All prayers end with
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Brother,who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,One God, for ever and ever. Amen
May you find peace and comfort today. My heart is saddened to hold all those lost and injured in war and their families and friends; civilians and soldiers and the 18 veterans who commit suicide each day. My own son returns to Iraq as a civilian contractor about July 1, 2011.
Katy Zatsick, RCWP
