MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IS MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER HOLIDAY RESPITE............

In yesterday's blog column about the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee / now Music Festival, I mentioned that on Monday it includes a 'Salute To Service'.  That Salute is at the core of the meaning and purpose for the reason Memorial Day is a Federal Holiday in the United States.  Holidays are rightfully days of rest, recreation, and renewal, but with a focus and intention we should be aware of, and remember to incorporate into our observance of the holiday.  Commemorating the men and women in our families, neighborhoods, communities, and throughout the nation, who have served in the American military and passed on is the reason for the past century and a half we observe Memorial Day.  Following the American Civil War Between the States, 1861-1865, it became customary for loved ones to go to the cemeteries where there loved ones are buried to decorate their graves with flags and flowers.  That tradition continues in cemeteries throughout the country.  In addition ro decorating the graves, crypts, and monuments, memorializing departed military personnel, Liturgies and Remembrance Services are conducted in burial grounds almost everywhere.  So as we observe this three day weekend, make and take time to commemorate the departed and  fallen who have patriotically served in times of war and peace, that freedom, liberty, and opportunity, continue to flourish for all............Fr.  Troy