Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.
Here today, gone tomorrow—Some thoughts about Memorial Day and our involvement in paying tribute to the past.
One thing we need to understand is that 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 we 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 seemed to have appeared without notice. Others look into a mirror and see maturity as a sign of longevity and survival. Still, there are others who will look into a mirror and see only the past.
How do we reconcile reality and fantasy? How do we determine that the time we have been given deserves to be enjoyed. How do we make our wishes come true? Finally, how do we mix all this together to bring fulfillment into 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 human turmoil. 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 a commemoration called Memorial Day. Life as they knew it and lived it is over. Now, we gather to harmonize the drama that became history. There are no more tomorrows or dreams that gave them purpose and hope. 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 with families and friends. There is no wrong way to commemorate this moment of remembrance. I would suggest that perhaps we should also laugh 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.
We can always find reasons to complain, but a simple gesture of gratitude can also wipe away the feelings of regret. On this solemn occasion we should express our thankfulness for being together. Our words and gestures should teach us how fortunate we are to live in a country that cherishes the sacredness of life.
We may face difficulties, but they can be overcome with faith.
May our memories give us hope. More than that, may our memories be a reminder of how much we owe to those who preceded us. May our faith be enhanced as we remember the past which brought us today. May the gifts of life that were forfeited on the battlefields of hate and indifference serve as a reminder of the sacrifices needed to ensure that all of us can sit under the beauty of nature as we drink in its splendor.