A Week Later: The Fourth of July

Yep, been another busy week - but that'll be another post! ;)

Today: the Fourth of July.

Our priest (from India, mind you!) had the wonderful idea to have only one Mass on Sunday, the fourth of July. He had much help from the Men's Society and other helpers in pulling it off - but it was the most AWESOME recognition of Independence Day that I have ever seen.

The local American Legion came, presented colors at the beginning.  During the Mass, all vets were honored - they were called up by "units" - the Army, the Navy, etc. - and as they came forward, the pianist played their "theme song." (alright, there HAS to be an official name for it, but that's all I can I think of right now!) They were then presented with a mug, candle and poem (which Father had read during his sermon and I will type at the bottom of this post). After all living vets were honored, our two families who have lost their husband/dad/brother (both lost in Iraq) were also called forward to receive a special gift. I guarantee you, there was NOT a dry eye in the entire church. After this, "roll" was taken - all deceased vets' names in our parish were read. This was then followed by the American Legion again presenting colors and the entire congregation singing our national anthem. Then we followed the colors out and they had a gun salute outside.

After the Mass and ceremony were over, there was a luncheon following (presented by the Men's Society) and games for the kiddos....what a fun and unique way to celebrate!

One kink in the whole day though: Son and oldest daughter were both servers. Daughter did an awesome job with some extra blessing with the incense and on her reading. Son, however, got overheated. During the consecration of the host, he fell. Over. Hit his head. Yep, just passed right out, on the altar. Poor kiddo. Since we always sit within the first 5 pews, hubby saw Son starting to sway and we thing he made it up there before Son's head hit the floor! They took him into the back and then hubby brought him home to rest. Much later that afternoon, he finally felt well. We have since decided that the children will wear t-shirts and shorts when they serve, as their robes cover them anyways. Another server was also feeling faint, so she went outside to get some air as well.

The Soldier

(author unknown)

It's the soldier, not the lawyer

Who has given us the right to fair trial.

It's the soldier, not the reporter

Who has given us the freedom of press.

It's the soldier, not the poet 

Who has given us the freedom of speech.

It's the soldier, not the campus organizer

Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It's the soldier, who serves beneath the flag,

Who solutes the flag,

Whose coffin is draped by the flag,

Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

It's the soldier, not the politician,

Who has given his blood, his body, his life,

Who has given us these freedoms!

It's the soldier who gives up their freedom

For our freedom.

It's the soldier who we must pray for.