Monday, November 11, 2024 is Veterans Day. Some may recall that it was once
called “Armistice Day.” Its origins go back to the armistice signed to end World War I on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour of 1918, one hundred six years ago. My grandfather fought in World War I and on occasion would recall to us the difficult times he experienced in the trenches far from home and family, especially the Christmas of 1917. Less than two years after his return to the states, he married my grandmother and they had six children. All four of their sons would eventually serve their country at war,
three in World War II, and the youngest in Korea. My Father served in the Air
Force as a navigator. He received the Purple Heart. My Mother tended to the
soldiers of World War II as a registered nurse. They both received military
honors at their funerals.

Authentic Patriotism is a great virtue and should be encouraged and promoted.
Patriotism is a duty that falls under the Fourth Commandment. Those who love
America and serve her are following a noble cause. But it is not just a solemn
duty, it is a privilege. Therefore, we should honor all veterans and remember in
prayer those who made the supreme sacrifice by laying down their lives for the
sake of our freedoms, all for the love of God, Family, and Country.

From the poem and hymn by Sir Cecil Spring-Rice (1859-1918):
I vow to thee, my country – all earthly things above –
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love:
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

Fr. Mark G. Mazza