Today is Veterans' Day. It is the day one of the most inhuman wars in human history finally ended. World War I was fought by people unprepared for the consequences of facing opponents armed with machine guns, then an innovation. The world reeled in horror and declared it the war to end all wars.
The truth is heartbreaking: of course it wasn't. History tells the bitter story of what happened in the following decades, and what is happening now.
Today I'm remembering the many veterans I've met in the past six months. They have told me stories of the brutality of war, experiences I can't ever begin to understand in the Pacific, Europe, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan. They have also told me stories of friendship, kindness, and deep loyalty.
At VA hospice memorial services, we honor their memory with this beautiful litany.
Traditional Litany of Remembrance
In the rising of the sun
and in its going down,
I will remember you.
In the rustling of the leaves
and in the beauty of autumn,
I will remember you.
In the blowing of the wind
and in the chill of winter,
I will remember you.
In the opening of buds
and in the rebirth of spring,
I will remember you.
In the blueness of the sky
and in the warmth of summer,
I will remember you.
In the beginning of the year
and when it ends,
I will remember you.
When I am weary
and in need of strength,
I will remember you.
When I am lost
and sick at heart,
I will remember you.
When I have joys
I yearn to share,
I will remember you.
So long as I live, you too shall live,
for you are now a part of me
as I remember you.
