LABC Update – Memorial Day 2023

Memorial Day Greetings,

I must admit that I have some ambivalence about Memorial Day. I recognize the need to honor those who have given their lives in the service of their country. Yet, I am cautious about glorifying war for, even though it is a setting in which many conduct themselves honorably and heroically, it invariably includes the suffering of innocents, crimes against humanity, trauma that lasts long after the fighting over and, even in victory, unintended consequences

My mom’s older brother,  Seaman Second Class Robert G. Romaine (pictured below) died while serving in the U,S. Navy in World War II. He was lost at sea when the ship he was on was sunk. He was reported missing and ultimately declared dead on October, 29, 1942. 

On this Memorial Day, I honor my uncle and all those who have made the supreme sacrifice for their country. I regret never having the opportunity to meet him. I pray that the day will come when war is no more.

No one has greater love than this, to down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NRSV)