Memorial Day is a special day at St. Joseph’s Home. It is a time we remember our fallen soldiers and our veterans. It is a time to remember the effects war at home. And, it is a time to remember all those who have gone before us. All of our Residents have been affected by war, whether they served in the armed forces during WWII, Korea, or Vietnam, or had a family or friend who had gone to fight.
In a moving Prayer Service before daily Mass, we honored our own Resident veterans. The service began with singing My Country ‘Tis of Thee. Following the readings from the New Testament and the Gospel read by Bishop Andrew McDonald, our veterans were acknowledged. Mother Marguerite recited a prayer for our veterans. Taps was played while Mother presented each veteran with a flag.
After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing God Bless America, one of our veterans read the American Creed.
“I believe in the United States of America as a Government of the people by the people, for the people, whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a Republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect Union, one and inseparable; established upon those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.
I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.”
The service concluded with petitions and the song Battle Hymn of the Republic.
After Mass, several of our Residents braved the unusually warm weather, under the protection of our covered patio, and feasted on a traditional Memorial Day picnic of hamburgers, potato salad, and watermelon. The afternoon concluded with a crowd favorite; a game of Bingo. Many smiles and pockets heavy with quarters (Bingo winnings), were seen on our Residents as they left!
A Time to Remember