Honoring Veterans

About 10 years ago Paulette Peterson, who directed the Queens Vet Center for combat veterans, asked me if I said anything to my two veteran brothers on Veterans Day. It was a whole new thought to me. I had opposed the Vietnam War and my brothers did not go to war willingly. They seldom talk about what they experienced there, though one of them once said he thinks about Vietnam every day, still. So each year on Veterans Day, I email a short note to them. Here are some samples:

Thank you, dear brother, for your willingness, back when you were 19 years old, to serve your country. You made a sacrifice bigger than you could have imagined. I am sorry our country waged war, but I’m grateful for you and for your readiness to serve.
Blessed Veterans Day. I’m remembering you.
Dear Brother, I am so grateful for you on this Veterans Day. I am grateful for your generosity.

If you know a veteran, take the time to send them a quick note this Friday, Nov. 11. I’m sure it will be appreciated.

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Mary Ann McGivern SL

Mary Ann lives at the Loretto Motherhouse in Kentucky. She is one of the homilists at Sunday services. She and Mary Swain SL write letters to Congress on behalf of the Community. Mary Ann is leading a call to the governor to commute the sentences of men in Kentucky who are on death row. She remains an active board member of the Peace Economy Project in St. Louis.