Douglas J. Fisher and the Rev. Christopher Carlisle: We are all responsible for the Soldiers’ Home tragedy

From Western Mass-

The unfolding tragedy at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, where at least 62 veterans have died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, is an equally tragic reminder of our failed responsibility as a nation to remember and care for the veterans who have so faithfully served us. 

What is occurring at the Soldiers’ Home is not simply an anomalous casualty of an unprecedented pandemic, but a symptom of a deeper chronic condition which has persisted for decades. Rather than simply pointing the finger at the state, or speculating about what those in charge at the facility could have done better, we are being called to look in the mirror and take responsibility ourselves.

We have neglected the needs of our American veterans who have given so much of their lives for us. Laying down one’s life for another is at the heart of the Christian tradition precisely because laying down one’s life for another is at the very heart of Christ. Perhaps this is why at Jesus’s crucifixion it was a soldier who was the first to recognize the divinity of Christ: “Truly this man was the son of God.” 

More here-

https://www.gazettenet.com/Guest-column-by-Bishop-Rt-Rev-Douglas-J-Fisher-34082326

Ministry helps struggling veterans heal from the wounds of war

From Faith and Leadership-

The fading light of evening streaked through the stained-glass windows at St. Richard’s Episcopal Church in Round Rock, Texas, as about a dozen military veterans knelt at the altar rail.

The veterans, including men who had seen combat in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, had come to the suburban Austin sanctuary that August night seeking reconciliation and healing.

The priest, a slim 41-year-old former U.S. Army chaplain, invited them to write down and offer up to God any transgressions they may have committed while in the military that now plague their consciences.

“Maybe you killed someone,” the Rev. David Peters told them. “Maybe you don’t know who you killed. … Maybe you sat back when someone was suffering.”

Silently, each person wrote a few words on a yellow Post-it, then deposited the note in a thurible used for incense.

More here-

https://www.faithandleadership.com/ministry-helps-struggling-veterans-heal-wounds-war

This Veterans Day, Meet the Soldiers of Church History

From Christianity Today-

When we think about Christian soldiers, we can be tempted (based on our views on war in general) to either venerate or vilify those who have participated in military service or combat. The battlefield certainly has its share of both beauty and tragedy, and that complexity can be confusing. To some, Christian soldiers—ready to stand up and sacrifice for a larger cause—are heroes, for “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13). To others, the violence of combat seems overwhelming in its scope and severity. They take Jesus’ words, “all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matt. 26:52), to mean that soldiers’ close proximity to killing fundamentally compromises their morals.

This dichotomy highlights our need to find a new way of thinking about Christian soldiers. And one avenue for doing so takes us back in time, as we remember the saints of Christian history who served in war.


More here-


http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2015/november-web-only/veterans-day-meet-soldiers-of-church-history.html

A World War II survivor's Memorial Day sermon

From Kentucky-


Memorial Day has been set aside as a federal holiday to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. For the survivor who chooses to testify his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living. He has no right to deprive future generations of a past that belongs to our collective memory.

To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive. To forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.

These words I quote from Elie Wiesel, a German Jew who survived the Holocaust. We know, as Wiesel reminds us, in the end it is all about memory. So today it is my duty as a survivor to speak for those silent ones who are with us only in spirit and memory.

More here-

http://www.courier-journal.com/story/opinion/contributors/2014/05/25/world-war-ii-survivors-memorial-day-sermon/9571447/

Emotional Norwalk ceremony honors veterans

From Connecticut-

David Cole sat proudly in his Army uniform at the front of the congregation at Christ Episcopal Church Sunday services. Turning his wheelchair to face the congregation squarely, Cole's dignity and pride in his service was evident as he introduced himself to the congregation at the Church's annual Veterans Day tribute mass.

"I was in the United States Army from 1953 to 1973," said Cole. "I was a lieutenant colonel and served in the special forces. I very proudly wear my green beret. I loved every minute of being in the military."

Cole was one of invited veterans from all branches of military service at the mass conducted by church vicar Reverand Colonel Frank Wismer, a recently retired senior Army reserve Episcopal chaplain. Wismer, as a veteran of Desert Storm, Operation Joint Force in Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Camp Arifjian in Kuwait feels a strong affinity for, and appreciation of the military.

More here-

http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/emotional-norwalk-ceremony-honors-veterans/article_92ea6c5e-7533-529c-9dca-076e6132bac3.html

David Killeen: Battle doesn't end when wounded warriors come home

From Florida-

Padre, I need to speak with you."

Robert is a wounded warrior in his early 20s who served in Iraq, and as he utters these words, I see an urgency in his eyes that I have learned to recognize as a pastor. His expression says: "I need to unload a whole bunch of stuff, and it's not going to be pretty."

Robert and I were at a Wounded Warrior Spiritual Retreat held by the Episcopal Diocese of Florida at the Cerveny Conference Center and Camp Weed in Live Oak. A partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project in Jacksonville, the ministry seeks to care for the spiritual wounds of veterans.

By New Year's Eve, all of our troops in Iraq will be home for the holidays. In both Iraq and Afghanistan, the lives of many warriors have been saved by the use of body armor and advances in battlefield medicine. That's the good news.

More here-

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20111229/OPINION05/112290306/David-Killeen-Battle-doesn-t-end-when-wounded-warriors-come-home?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7Cfrontpage%7Cs

Church members give blessed shawls to veterans

From Central PA-

Veterans Day might not be a holy day, but it holds deep meaning for the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.
The Rt. Rev. Nathan D. Baxter, a Vietnam veteran and head of the diocese with 66 parishes in 24 counties, said it reminds him of the giving nature of those who serve their country.

Baxter said he was delighted when members of his diocese and the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem brought handmade pocket prayer shawls to veterans Nov. 10 at the Veterans Hospital in Lebanon.

The shawls were blessed in a Veterans Day ceremony in the chapel, then distributed to veterans.
“These shawls have been lovingly made by members of both dioceses,” Baxter said. “When I was a soldier alone on a base or deep in the jungle, the small gestures such as a letter, photo, prayer card or small care package had great value for my soul.”

The Rt. Rev. John P. Croneberger, assistant bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, and the Rev. William Alford, rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Harrisburg and St. Andrew’s in the Valley in Susquehanna Township, blessed the shawls.

Baxter recalled a fellow veteran once telling him, “All gave some, some gave all.”

http://blog.pennlive.com/life/2011/11/church_members_give_blessed_sh.html

St Stephen’s collects socks for veterans

From Massachusetts-

Through the middle of November, in honor of Veteran’s Day, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church of Westborough will be collecting socks for the veterans to be distributed by Veterans Inc., a veteran support agency in Worcester that feeds, clothes and provides training and support for veterans. For more information on Veterans Inc. please go to www.veteransinc.org.

Although the requested item from Veterans Inc is for socks, good condition jackets and coats for the veterans would also be appreciated.

All contributions can be dropped off at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3 John St., Westborough, 9 a.m. until noon, Monday to Thursday. If you have contributions to drop off at a different time please call the church office at 508-366-4134. For more information, please go to St Stephen’s website at www.ststeph.com. This is one of the many projects of Mission & Outreach to help those in need in the community. Please help support our veterans.


Read more:

http://www.wickedlocal.com/westborough/newsnow/x493118230/St-Stephen-s-collects-socks-for-veterans#ixzz1cM9d67hy

Clergy play key role in veterans’ care

From Boston-

Pastor Elizabeth M. Krentz-Wee says that as many as 10 of the 50 worshippers who attend Sunday services at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Norwich, Conn., are veterans.

But like many clergy, Krentz-Wee acknowledges that she has had little experience dealing with mental health problems that plague many of those who have served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other conflicts.

Now, the military and psychiatrists are engaging spiritual leaders in the region, like Krentz-Wee, saying they are pivotal as first responders in helping soldiers and their families cope with issues like post-traumatic stress.

Though soldiers might refrain from seeing a military psychiatrist because of a stigma that seeking help suggests weakness, they may be comfortable approaching a clergy member, experts said. And reaching veterans sooner rather than later is imperative to recovery as they make the jarring transition from violent battle zones to quiet New England life.

More here-

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/08/15/clergy_play_key_role_in_veterans_mental_health/

Buckles honored at Zion Episcopal

From W.Va.

Reporter Richard F. Belisle's father, Frederick M. Belisle (1896-1981), served in the U.S. Navy in World War I.

It seemed to all make sense, to finally come together Wednesday afternoon when Charlie Casabona led nearly 300 people in Zion Episcopal Church in the singing of "Over There."

Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last American to serve in World War I, died Feb. 27 at age 110. If he was relatively unknown before then he wasn't after weeks of mass-media coverage detailed his experience in the "War to End All Wars," his three-year ordeal in a Japanese prison camp in World War II and his life as a farmer, raconteur and father.

There were the fights in Congress over whether Buckles' body should lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. They were followed by his burial Tuesday in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. President Obama and Vice President Biden paid their respects Tuesday at an Arlington chapel ceremony where Buckles' body lay in honor.

More here-

http://articles.herald-mail.com/2011-03-16/news/28700701_1_frank-buckles-honor-guard-susannah-buckles-flanagan

Priest plans book about Vietnam experience

From North Carolina-

The faces drift back to Houston Matthews from across four decades.

Marines he fought beside in Vietnam are with him always, especially on Memorial Day, when he salutes fellow riflemen killed at such places as Con Thien and Khe Sanh.

It was during the 1968 Siege of Khe Sanh – one of the most controversial battles of the Vietnam War – that Matthews received the wounds that cost him an eye and a leg.

A retired Episcopal priest from Gastonia, Matthews kept the war bottled up inside for years, haunted by memories of friends who didn't come back.

About nine years ago, he first got professional help for post-traumatic stress. Recently, he started counseling soldiers back from Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, he's about to launch a project friends have been urging him to do for years: Write a book that blends his experiences in war and the ministry.

“I want to encourage any veteran who is still struggling,” said Matthews, 62. “I want to help broken people get in better shape emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. To help them get things under control.”

More here-

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/744129.html

Good Stuff in TEC: Illinois

Pastor turns Christmas party into gift drive for wounded soldiers

The Rev. Rod Reinhart believes in taking care of the troops.

The Sunday after the Fourth of July, the Blue Island pastor did what he does best - prayed. He gathered his congregation for a day of prayer and supplicated.

We prayed for the physical and emotional health of the men and women in uniform," said Reinhart, 59. "And we prayed for the end of the war."

On Saturday, he's putting a different twist on the annual Christmas party at St. Joseph and St. Aidan Episcopal Church, 2453 Oak St. in Blue Island. In addition to the party, there will be a gift drive for wounded soldiers.

"Christmas can be a time of loneliness and depression for wounded soldiers and hospitalized veterans," Reinhart said. "This would make their Christmas more joyful."

By bringing Christmas gifts for soldiers or their families, Reinhart believes the community can send a message of gratitude to the soldiers.

http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1316169,120708inuniform.article

You can see all of the Good Stuff posts by clicking on Good Stuff in the labels below.

Veteran's Day WWI Vets remember

From the London Times. Only three of them left in Britian.

Today, as Henry Allingham (pictured) struggled in vain against the infirmities of old age as he attempted to rise to his feet, it told a powerful story of remembrance and loss.

Almost everyone knows the name of Henry Allingham now - and Harry Patch and Bill Stone, Britain’s surviving veterans from the First World War. The last living reminders of a generation that sustained such terrible losses, they are the symbols of a suffering that modern generations find hard to understand.

But for Mr Allingham and his comrades, the memories of what happened are real, and personal, and theirs; and when, just before 11am today, and 90 years to the minute after the signing of the Armistice, he attempted stand up in front of a crowd of thousands and lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, his gesture said more about war and grief than any prayer or salute.

The three of them were lined up in their wheelchairs in front of the memorial to lay their wreaths, each representing the armed service they belonged to - the Royal Air Force for Mr Allingham, 112, the Army for Mr Patch, 110, and the Royal Navy for Mr Stone, 108.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article5131342.ece

Veteran's Day

A wonderful photo from the London Times of President elect Obama greeting a war veteran.

Veterans, citizens-These new Americans already have defended their nation

From the Post-Gazette. Remember to thank a veteran today.

Lost among the countless stories covering the historic election of the next leader of our nation was the account last Tuesday of 186 men and women in Baghdad who were awarded what Justice Louis Brandeis once termed "the only title in our democracy superior to that of president"-- citizen.

Given a brief respite from their daily duties braving innumerable dangers to bring peace and stability to cities and towns across Iraq, a remarkable group of foreign-born soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines converged on Baghdad for a ceremony at the U.S. headquarters in one of Saddam Hussein's former palaces. Before an American flag hanging from the ceiling of the palace's cavernous rotunda, they held up their right hands and swore allegiance to a nation for which they already were risking their lives. They came from 60 different countries across the globe and, standing together in a formation surrounded by Saddam's marbled columns, they became the newest additions to the beautiful mosaic of American citizenry.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08316/926890-109.stm

Names of war dead to be illuminated

This is a nice idea in anticipation of Veteran's Day - Honoring WW I veterans.

As the sun sets on Grand Parade tonight, the names of the 68,000 Canadian soldiers who died during the First World War will burn brightly against the facade of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in downtown Halifax.

The illuminated names will appear from sundown to sunrise every night this week, a vigil intended to symbolically repatriate the bodies of those soldiers who, by law, had to be buried in Europe.

Canadian actor R.H. Thomson and lighting designer Martin Conboy came up with the fitting tribute, sponsored by Democracy 250, Canada’s National History Society and Veterans Affairs Canada.

Similar tributes will be held this week in Fredericton, Toronto, Regina, Edmonton and Ottawa.

"This vigil is not only an act of remembrance, but also a calling into life again of each of the young men who lost their lives during the horrendous battles of 1914 to 1918," Mr. Conboy said in a recent news release.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1088367.html