“Pro Deo et Patria”: A Memorial Day Reflection

soldier priest angel

soldier priest angelMemorial Day is upon us. For many, this is a time to prepare the backyard pool, warm up the grill, and invite family and friends over for a good old-fashioned B-B-Q. For me, Memorial Day is still about family and friends, but it is also about the U-S-A.

From as far back as I can remember Memorial Day has never been as much about communal fun as it has been about communal fellowship. Now, don’t get me wrong. I understand and appreciate the opportunities this day affords me to get together with those close to me so we can enjoy one another’s company. However, these festivities are secondary to recognizing the sacrifice and heroism of those who have gone before us, paving the way for liberty and freedom (including religious). That is why, on this day, standing together in prayer and remembrance takes precedence to anything else.

Jesus told his apostles that He was going ahead of them to prepare a place (John 14:2). Our veterans have done likewise. They have helped prepare a way of life that is beyond comprehension in most areas around the world. Christ paved the way through His Passion and Death; the ultimate price for our salvation. Those who heeded his words, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13) are a testimony to this very form of sacrifice. The One who knows us better than we know ourselves has inspired numerous men and women throughout our nation’s history to answer the call to serve.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a celebration, which reveals that our blessings are not based on entitlements, as some may think. Rather, they are due to the actions of countless citizens, who placed duty, honor, and commitment ahead of apathy, pride, and security. They chose to enter into unfriendly and uncompromising environments and, despite risks, persevered to the end. The rewards of their efforts have gone on to shape our society, past, present, and future.

Heroes of the Cloth

Our Catholic faith has been well represented in these moments of great trial and unrest. Men such as Fr. Aloysius Schmitt, Fr. John Washington, Fr. Emil Kapaun, Fr. Charles Watters, and Fr. Vincent Capodanno understood the need to emulate grace in the face of unimaginable threats. Each volunteered to willfully go where the world seemed most dark and goodness non-existent. Their desire to serve as beacons of light, goodness, and truth provided solace and serenity to their men amidst the most devastating realities of war.

From Pearl Harbor to the North Atlantic, from Korea to Vietnam, Catholic chaplains have been there to provide for their soldiers, sailors airmen and marines, regardless of their religion. (In fact, of the five military chaplains, who have been awarded the Medal of Honor since the Civil War, all five have been Catholic priests: Lt. Comdr. Joseph Timothy O’Callahan, Capt. Angelo J. Liteky, Maj. Charles Joseph Watters, Lt. Vincent Robert Capodanno, and Capt. Emil J. Kapaun.) Still, other Catholic chaplains have distinguished themselves through selfless service, becoming lasting examples of what it means to live “in persona Christi”. Here are some of their stories.

Duty at Sea

Fr. Al Schmitt was a Navy chaplain stationed aboard the USS Oklahoma on the morning of December 7th, 1941. As the word came that they were under attack, Fr. Schmitt made his way throughout the ship, eventually coming upon a small port hole. He immediately began helping his fellow sailors get to safety as the ship began taking on water. He offered encouragement, blessings, and in the end, his life.

On February 3, 1942, Fr. John Washington was an Army chaplain serving aboard the Dorchester. This vessel was transporting soldiers across the North Atlantic the evening it met its fate at the hands of a German U-boat. As soldiers scrambled to abandon ship, Fr. Washington, along with three other chaplains (all of the different faiths) removed their life jackets and handed them to those in need. As this ship began to sink the “four chaplains”, as they have become known, linked arms and recited hymns of praise, bringing calmness amidst catastrophe.

The Honorable Mission

St. Paul persevered and was honored to offer his life for Christ. He relentlessly embraced his sufferings. Fr. Email Kapaun was a favorite among his troops, always giving them what they needed when they needed it. His welcoming presence brought peace to all he served with in Korea, and his endearing compassion proved invaluable as he comforted those suffering along side of him in a POW camp.

The prison guards became fearful of Fr. Kapaun’s magnanimity, and its ability to boost the morale of the men. For this reason, they became eager to hasten his death. But, they could never erase his spirit. (No wonder he is on the road to Canonization.)

Two Medal of Honor recipients, Fr. Charles Watters and Fr. Vincent Capodanno (aka “The Grunt Padre”) voluntarily served in some of the most inhospitable environments war could ever conjure. Their heroism in the jungles of Vietnam is the reason why many are still alive today. The news of Fr. Watters’ death, due to fratricide, acted as a harsh reminder to the consequences of war. However, his constant witness of hope in the chaos of armed conflict left an indelible mark on his soldiers and proved that God is always present; even where He seems most absent.

Fr. Capodanno died as he lived, being Christ for others. “The Grunt Padre”, as he was affectionately known, wanted nothing more than to be with his marines. Fr. Capodanno showed that being a disciple meant going where they went, sleeping where they slept, eating what they ate, and doing what they did. His willingness to enter into harm’s way at every turn inspired them, and his refusal to leave the field of battle, despite injuries, emboldened them to continue fighting the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7). His final act of giving his life so that others would live was nothing short of the heroic virtue of this form of discipleship.

Commitment

Though our military chaplains do not carry weapons, they carry something even more powerful, they carry faith, hope, and love. No one may ever fully understand what takes place in the minds and hearts of those willing to commit themselves to enduring harsh surroundings and challenging ordeals. Nevertheless, the gift of service is one that gives way to legacy, regardless of the outcome.

Memorial Day is a day to honor, remember, and celebrate those who have gone before us. They have left behind a path that even the darkest moments cannot dampen. Let us offer up prayers on this day for their souls, along with our sincere commitment to live our lives in ways that will reflect their light for an entire nation to see. “Pro Deo et Patria!”

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3 thoughts on ““Pro Deo et Patria”: A Memorial Day Reflection”

  1. That’s interesting that all five chaplains to get the MOH were Catholic priests. I wonder what will come out of the last 16 years of war.

  2. William F. Nolan, III

    In conjunction with the Article entitled: “Pro Deo, et Patria “: A Memorial Day Reflection, those of who served in a military capacity, especially, in a combat environment can truly attest to the dedication and sacrifices which were made by our military chaplains. As we remember those who made the Supreme Sacrifice, this Memorial Day, let us also keep in mind that freedom is not free, but came with a significant price which can never be repaid. These men and women have not died in vain and will be remembered for their valiant efforts as they lead by example.

    William F. Nolan, III, SFC (E-7)
    United States Army Reserve, Retired

  3. Tom Collingwood

    Amen to your thoughts. As a veteran I can attest to the need for and actions of Chaplains. I remember one telling me once ” where you go I go” They were always beside us

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