Story:
“Prisoner at the bar,” said the judge, “I find you guilty on twenty-three counts. I therefore sentence you to a total of one hundred and seventy-five years.” The prisoner was an old man. He burst into tears. The judge’s facial expression softened. “I did not mean to be harsh,” he said. “I know the sentence I have imposed is a very severe one. You don’t really have to serve the whole of it.” The prisoner’s eyes brightened with hope. “That’s right,” said the judge. “Just do as much as you can!” (Source Unknown)
“Prisoner at the bar,” said the judge, “I find you guilty on twenty-three counts. I therefore sentence you to a total of one hundred and seventy-five years.” The prisoner was an old man. He burst into tears. The judge’s facial expression softened. “I did not mean to be harsh,” he said. “I know the sentence I have imposed is a very severe one. You don’t really have to serve the whole of it.” The prisoner’s eyes brightened with hope. “That’s right,” said the judge. “Just do as much as you can!” (Source Unknown)
This weekend, we observe Memorial Day. Three years after the Civil
War ended on May 5, 1868, it was established as Decoration Day – a time for the
nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. The proclamation
by Gen. John Logan’s orders reads thus: “We are organized for the
purpose, among other things, of preserving and strengthening those kind and
fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines
who united to suppress the late rebellion. What can aid more to assure
this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made
their breasts a barricade between our country and its foe?”
Let us observe this Memorial Day by doing as much as we can - remembering our power and capacity to gather as peacemakers; to strengthen our spirits and vision; to decorate our hearts with the flowers of nonviolence.
Let us observe this Memorial Day by doing as much as we can - remembering our power and capacity to gather as peacemakers; to strengthen our spirits and vision; to decorate our hearts with the flowers of nonviolence.
It is a day of gathering
with those who mourn at monuments, graves, and memorials. A day of gathering
with those who stand in confusion, anger, shame, guilt, and
vulnerability.
A day of gathering to
remember sacrifices and great losses.
A day of gathering to
remember ones still held captive throughout the world or suffering mental
anguish from the trauma of terrorism and the ravages of war.
It is a day of gathering
with those who stand with pride for courage demonstrated and for freedoms
won.
Finally, let us do as
much as we can to pray, assist, give comfort, express understanding and support
to all those who have chosen to reach out in peace, and to those willing to make
sacrifices through service to their country – and may we cherish tenderly the
memory of our heroic deceased women and men.
(Written pre-COVID-19. Take the best and let go of the rest.)
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